TRANSPORT

A21 Upgrade

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many consultations the Highways Agency has had with residents affected by the proposed A21 upgrade between Flimwell and Robertsbridge.

Stephen Ladyman: Public consultation took place between 19 November 2002 and 14 February 2003, which included a public exhibition held during December 2002.

A21 Upgrade

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what plans the Highways Agency has to consult residents affected by the proposed alterations to Northbridge Street in Robertsbridge, East Sussex as part of the proposed A21 upgrade;
	(2)  what representations he has received regarding plans to alter Northbridge Street, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, as part of the proposed A21 upgrade.

Stephen Ladyman: The Agency has received a petition signed by 69 residents outlining their concerns about the plans to alter Northbridge Street, and one letter from a local organisation suggesting an alternative solution.
	The Highways Agency has written to the Chairman of the Hurst Green Parish Council asking him to act as the focal point for interested parties and has suggested that a meeting take place in mid November to discuss, among other issues, the proposed alterations to Northbridge Street.

A21 Upgrade

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Highways Agency on plans to consult members of the public affected by the proposed upgrade of the A21 between Flimwell and Robertsbridge.

Stephen Ladyman: The Highways Agency has suggested a further meeting in mid-November with the Hurst Green Parish Council and local representatives to discuss the concerns that have been raised by the members of the public affected by the proposed upgrade.

A42

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason the A42 was closed on 17 August 2005; how long the closure was in force; and upon whose authority the closure was (a) instigated and (b) lifted.

Stephen Ladyman: The A42 was closed on 17 August as a result of an accident. A food delivery lorry crossed over the central reservation from the southbound to the northbound carriageway, damaging the central safety barrier. Both northbound lanes and lane two southbound were closed from 12 pm to allow for the removal of the vehicle and its perishable load and for barrier repair work to be carried out.
	The southbound carriageway was fully reopened together with lane one northbound at 5.56 pm. The northbound carriageway was fully opened at 7.25 pm. The closure was instigated and subsequently lifted by Leicestershire police.

Airports (Security)

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the adequacy of security arrangements at all airports for which his Department is responsible to take account of the threat level indicated by the recent London bombings, with particular reference to smaller airports; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: Security arrangements at all airports in the National Aviation Security Programme, irrespective of size, are regularly reviewed in the light of all available information. UK airports have been operating an enhanced level of security since the attacks in the USA of 11 September 2001.

Departmental Policies

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead East and Washington West constituency, the effects in Gateshead East and Washington West of changes to his Department's policies since 1997.

Karen Buck: The Department has put in place a considerable programme of improvements across a wide range of transport policy areas since 1997. I am confident that the Gateshead East and Washington West constituency will have benefited from these. For example, the injury totals for all road casualties in Great Britain fell from 327,803 in 1997 to 280,840 in 2004, and the numbers of children aged less than 16 years killed or seriously injured on our roads fell from 6,452 in 1997 to 3,905 in 2004. On our railways, passenger kilometres have increased from 32.1 billion in 1996–67 to 42.4 billion in 2004–05, a rise of 32 per cent. In terms of improvements to air quality, emissions of the UK's two main pollutants, nitrous oxides and particles, fell by 38 per cent. and 21 per cent. respectively between 1997 and 2003.
	Capital funding for local transport in the Gateshead East and Washington West constituency is allocated to the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority and the local district councils. The funding allocated to the councils Tyne and Wear since 1997 is shown in the table below 1 . It has been for the local authorities to determine how that allocation has been spent, in line with their local transport plan and their priorities.
	1 Funding allocations for 1997–98 not included since they cover a period proceeding May 1997 and announcements concerning the 1997–98 allocations were made in 1996.
	
		£ million
		
			 Tyne and Wear nature of funding 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Capital maintenance 6.058 7.822 8.646 10.839 
			 Integrated block 5.349 8.391 7.925 16.509 
			 Major schemes 6.138 6.651 24.61 16.992 
			 Targeted bus grants(1) 1.34 0.44 0.65 0.54 
			 Total 18.885 23.304 41.831 44.88 
		
	
	
		£ million
		
			 Tyne and Wear nature of funding 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 Capital maintenance 11.518 9.433 16.990 14.379 
			 Integrated block 17.146 13.252 16.245 17.072 
			 Major schemes 22.545 22.0 22.427 16.396 
			 Targeted bus grants(1) 1.53 2.43 0.13 0.13 
			 Total 52.739 47.115 55.792 47.977 
		
	
	(1) Includes Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus challenge funding.
	The total number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads in the Gateshead and Sunderland local authority areas reduced from a 1994–98 average of 134 and 162 to 85 and 121 in 2003 respectively. The number of children killed or seriously injured in the Gateshead and Sunderland local authority areas reduced from a 1994–98 average of 27 and 46 to 16 and 34 in 2003 respectively.
	Passenger kilometres travelled on the Tyne and Wear metro have increased from 254 million in 1996–97 to 283 million in 2004–05. The system has increased the number of stations and stops served from 46 in 1996–97 to 58 in 2004–05, with the system being extended to Sunderland.

New Drivers

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to require drivers in their first year of holding a full licence to be subject to (a) compulsory designation and (b) additional speed restrictions.

Stephen Ladyman: As part of the Road Safety Strategy, the Department consulted in 2002 on a number of options for improving the safety of new drivers, the majority of whom are safe and drive responsibly. The Government concluded that the skills needed to drive unaccompanied should be demonstrated at the time of the practical test. Proposals for a requirement to use a P" (probationer) plate, and a limit on the maximum speed for new drivers, were not justified.
	We believe that the way forward is to focus on ensuring that learners are better trained and that driver training services are of high quality.
	The consultation document and decision letter are available on-line from the Department's website at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_control/documents/contentservertemplate/dft_index.hcst?n=10204&l=2l

Gloucester Parkways Station

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the status of the proposed Gloucester Parkways Station is.

Karen Buck: A bid for funding for the Gloucester Parkway scheme was received by the Department in July and is currently being assessed. Decisions on all new Major Scheme Bids will follow the receipt of views from the regional bodies on their priorities for transport schemes which are expected by the end of January 2006.

Heathrow (Third Runway)

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a map of the flight paths that would be used by aircraft should the proposed third runway be built at Heathrow airport.

Karen Buck: The airspace arrangements to support a possible third runway at Heathrow are still being developed as part of the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow. Illustrative work will be carried out to assess the likely impacts of a third runway, including noise impacts. Detailed design of flight paths will only follow if a decision in principle is reached to proceed with a third runway and would then be the subject of consultation.

Minimum Speed Limits

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to introduce minimum speed limits on (a) trunk roads and (b) motorways.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government have no plans to introduce minimum speed limits on trunk roads or motorways.

Motorway Service Stations

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department last reviewed the regulations relating to motorway service station areas.

Stephen Ladyman: The regulations relating to motorway service areas were last reviewed in the spring of 1998, culminating in the statement to the House of Lords of July 1998 (HA269), which announced amendments to policy set out in the Department of Transport Roads Circular 1/94, 'Motorway Service Areas'. I have recently instigated a further review of roadside facilities for users of both motorways and all-purpose trunk roads. Discussions with key stakeholders are in progress. I have asked the Highways Agency to prepare a document for consultation early in 2006.

Off-road Cycling

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on off-road cycling; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: We encourage safe and responsible cycling, on or—where permitted—off the road network. Cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport which can help deliver a number of key Government objectives including reducing congestion and pollution and improving people's health and fitness.

Parking Offences (Decriminalisation)

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the process by which power was transferred from the police to local authorities following the decriminalisation of parking offences; what steps he took to ensure that this was a smooth transition of authority; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what guidelines he has provided for local authorities to ensure the validity of penalty charge notices since the decriminalisation of parking offences;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the management of parking offences by local authorities since decriminalisation of parking offences; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: The Road Traffic Act 1991 provides for the decriminalisation of most non-endorseable on-street parking offences in London and allows similar arrangements to be introduced elsewhere. Research for the Department by the Transport Research Laboratory (Special Parking Areas in London"; The Special Parking Area in the District of Winchester"; and The Special Parking Area in Oxford") showed that decriminalised parking enforcement provides local authorities with greater control over their enforcement activity and an enhanced ability to deliver their parking strategies. The Department partly funded the British Parking Association's recent review of decriminalised parking enforcement, which concluded that the existing system works well but that it would benefit from some modifications.
	In 1995, the Secretary of State issued detailed guidance for local authorities in England outside of London on applying for, introducing and operating decriminalised parking enforcement. The guidance—local authority circular 1/95—makes clear that local authorities should liaise with the police to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of responsibilities and that they should, therefore, continue to liaise with the police so that the two systems can operate effectively side-by-side. When applying for the power to enforce parking regulations, authorities have to submit detailed applications to the Department for Transport which need to confirm, among other things, that the authority will review its existing Traffic Regulation Orders, signs and road markings and use suitable documentation—including an appropriate penalty charge notice (PCN)—when enforcing contraventions. The appropriate police authority is asked whether it supports the application.
	Circular 1/95 also makes it clear that the Government expect authorities to have regard to the minimum or common standards set out in that guidance. The information that must appear on a penalty charge notice is set out in the Road Traffic Act 1991. The Secretary of State's 1/95 guidance provides further suggestions about information that should be provided on penalty charge notices.
	The Department is considering options for strengthening the existing system for the civil enforcement of parking contraventions while drafting regulations and guidance under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2005. We have established an expert working group to help us take this work forward and aim to carry out public consultation in spring 2006.

Road Accidents (Lancashire)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road (a) accidents and (b) fatalities there have been on the (i) A59 and (ii) M6 in Lancashire in each of the last 10 years.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of personal injury road accidents and the number of resultant fatalities on the A59 and M6 within the borders of Lancashire county council for the years 1995 to 2004 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  M6 in Lancashire A59 in Lancashire 
			  Personal injury accidents Fatalities Personal injury accidents Fatalities 
		
		
			 1995 139 6 210 5 
			 1996 134 8 205 8 
			 1997 249 5 192 8 
			 1998 220 6 166 4 
			 1999 202 6 185 4 
			 2000 168 3 172 2 
			 2001 143 4 188 3 
			 2002 166 1 170 2 
			 2003 160 6 134 0 
			 2004 197 4 164 4

Speed Cameras

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) mobile and (b) fixed speed cameras in reducing speeding in North Shropshire.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department only holds information for the whole West Mercia area not broken down by district or camera type. Further detailed information will be available from the partnership and I have asked them to respond directly.

Speed Cameras

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what impact (a) mobile and (b) fixed speed cameras have had on road accidents in West Mercia since they were introduced.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department only holds information for the whole West Mercia area not broken down by camera type. Further detailed information will be available from the partnership and I have asked them to respond directly.

Speed Cameras

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the annual running costs were of the West Mercia Safety Camera Partnership for each year for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: The Safety Camera Partnership in West Mercia joined the national safety camera programme in April 2003. During 2003–04, their running costs were £2,607,770 and during 2004–05 their running costs were £2,289,700.

Speed Cameras

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what budget the funds raised by speeding fines not spent on running the West Mercia Safety Camera Partnership were applied in each of the years for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: The Safety Camera Partnership in West Mercia joined the national safety camera programme in April 2003. Their running costs, amount of fines collected from fixed penalty fines and the resulting surplus were:
	
		£
		
			  Running costs Amount collected from fixed penalty fines Surplus 
		
		
			 2003–04 2,607,770 3,086,160 478,390 
			 2004–05 2,289,700 3,095,940 806,240 
		
	
	The surplus goes to the Consolidated Fund.

Speed Cameras

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of the fines imposed by the West Mercia Safety Camera Partnership were for repeat offenders in the years for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department does not record or keep this information. Further detailed information will be available directly from the partnership and I have asked them to respond directly.

Speed Cameras

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was raised in fines by the West Mercia Safety Camera Partnership by (a) mobile speed cameras, (b) fixed speed cameras and (c) in total in each year for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: The Safety Camera Partnership in West Mercia joined the national safety camera programme in April 2003. The Department does not hold information broken down by type of camera. During 2003–04, fines collected from fixed penalties were £3,086,160 and during 2004–05 fines collected from fixed penalties were £3,095,940.

Supertram (Leeds)

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the Supertram scheme in Leeds by the end of October; and for what reasons his Department has not made an announcement previously;
	(2)  when he will reply to the letter from the leaders of Leeds city council concerning the Leeds Supertram scheme.

Derek Twigg: The Secretary of State made clear the position on the Supertram scheme in his oral statement last summer on 20 July 2004, Official Report, column 159. Since then we have been in discussions with West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive about their alternative proposals.
	At a meeting with local council leaders on 26 July 2005, I asked for additional information on tram costs and for further work to be done on a top of the range bus option.
	The Secretary of State's principal private secretary replied to Councillor Harris, leader of Leeds city council, on 27 October.

CABINET OFFICE

Civil Service

Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he plans to allow recruitment of persons over 60 years of age to the civil service.

John Hutton: The Civil Service Management Code does not prescribe any age restrictions for recruitment into the civil service. As an equal opportunities employer, the civil service is committed to ensure that all eligible people have equality of opportunity for employment based on their suitability for the work and that there must be no unfair discrimination on the basis of age.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Gary Streeter: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  how many staff are employed by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman;
	(2)  what the budget is for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in 2005–06.

John Hutton: The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's net resource budget for 2005–06 is £21.6 million. 263 full-time equivalent staff are currently employed in the offices of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

PRIME MINISTER

Queen's Ambulance Service Medal

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to announce the first Queen's Ambulance Service Medal award.

Tony Blair: Her Majesty the Queen is advised by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals" on all matters to do with honours and medals. Proposals for the institution of new medals are considered by this Committee before advice is offered to Her Majesty the Queen. No proposal has been submitted to the Committee.

Tibet

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise the issues of Tibet and human rights abuses with the Chinese President during his state visit in November.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House of Commons to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen) at Prime Minister's questions on 26 October 2005, Official Report, column 300.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Animal and Plant Diseases

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to prevent the import of (a) animal and (b) plant disease; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: A comprehensive import regime exists in European Community law to ensure that animals and animal products imported from non EU countries do not pose a risk to animal or human health. They must come from approved countries and must be accompanied by official veterinary certification in a form specified in Community law. Animal products for human consumption must also come from approved establishments to ensure that they have been produced under hygienic conditions.
	Imported animals and animal products must enter the EU at designated Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where they are subject to veterinary inspections. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks. A number of animals from each consignment are physically checked and a proportion of consignments of animal products undergo physical checks. EU law lays down minimum levels for physical checks, which vary depending on the product. These checks are to ensure that import conditions are met.
	Emergency safeguard action, which may include a ban on imports of animals and meat from all, or parts, of the affected country, can be taken if there is an outbreak of disease in an exporting country likely to present a risk to human or animal health.
	The import of products of animal origin by individual travellers in their personal luggage is judged to be a potential route by which animal disease could be introduced. Following pressure by the Government, new tighter EU rules governing these imports were introduced in 2003.
	Action against illegal imports forms part of the overall Defra Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.
	£25 million of new money has been made available over three years 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06 to tackle illegal imports of products of animal origin (POAO) and plants and plant based goods (PBG) from third countries.
	HM Revenue and Customs are the delivery agent with enforcement responsibility at the frontier for illegal imports of products of animal origin (POAO) and plant based goods (PBG) from countries outside the European Union.
	Customs enforcement is based on risk. This includes information provided by Defra on the animal health disease situation around the world, including the risks from new disease outbreaks. Defra provide Customs with the 'map of the world' (informed by OIE) detailing animal health risks to assist Customs in deploying their resources according to risk.
	Enforcement powers in relation to illegally imported live animals are the responsibility of the Trading Standards department of the relevant local authority. Defra is working in partnership with HMRC on this issue and they have been kept informed of developments. As a result Customs are being more vigilant. If they come across live animals in the course of their duties they will hand these over to the State Veterinary Service or local authority.
	The importation from non-EU countries of animal pathogens and carriers is prohibited except under licence. Licences issued to authorise such imports impose conditions for their safe handling and disposal. Animal pathogens causing the most serious exotic diseases of livestock and poultry are strictly controlled under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 1998 (SAPO). Specified animal pathogens may only be imported by those licensed to hold or work with them under SAPO. To be considered for licensing an establishment must meet the relevant Defra containment and operating requirements for the specified animal pathogen concerned and inspections are carried out to confirm this.
	Imports from third countries of plants and most types of plant produce require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant health services in the country of origin stating that the consignment meets our plant health import rules. For movements within the EC, consignments of high risk plants must carry a plant passport". Defra's Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate carried out 10,128 check inspections of imports from non-EU countries last year, 29,884 inspections of plants and produce moving within the EU, and 32,617 inspections of plants susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum (the pathogen which causes Sudden Oak Death in California). Where potentially damaging pests or diseases or other evidence of non-compliance were found, proportionate actions were taken to deal with the immediate risk and to reduce the possibility of recurrence.
	In order to improve the effectiveness of import controls and implement recent changes to the Plant Health Directive a further nine Plant Health Inspectors have been recruited this year to be based at major air and sea ports. The UK supported the recent adoption by the EC's Standing Committee on Plant Health of a risk targeting mechanism to determine appropriate rates of inspection for import trades depending on their compliance record. The UK also plays an active role in setting international standards for plant health controls and monitoring their implementation as well as ensuring that regulatory action on plant pests and diseases is based on good scientific evidence.
	Defra recently published a plant health strategy to set out: objectives and priorities for protecting plant health in England; the relative roles of government and other stakeholders in delivery of these objectives; and how activities relevant to plant health (including research) of Defra, its executive agencies and other bodies should best be co-ordinated. The strategy represents part of Defra's response to the National Audit Office (NAO) and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reports 'Protecting England and Wales from plant pests and diseases.'

Animal Welfare

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to introduce the Animal Welfare Bill.

Ben Bradshaw: The Animal Welfare Bill had its First Reading in the House of Commons on 13 October.

Animal Welfare

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what qualifications animal welfare inspectors will be required to have in order to carry out their duties under the Animal Welfare Bill; and whether such standards will be set at a national level.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 27 October 2005
	The Animal Welfare Bill will not impose minimum qualifications for local authority inspectors.
	However, local authorities will receive guidance and training from Defra on the new requirements to ensure that standards are as consistent as possible.

Avian Influenza

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the possible timescale for avian influenza spreading (a) through Continental Europe and (b) into the United Kingdom.

Ben Bradshaw: The risk assessment that we have carried out on the spread of the avian influenza virus indicates that there is a high risk that the geographical spread will continue, given the recent detections of the virus in various geographical areas since May 2005.
	On the evidence that is currently available it is reasonable to conclude that there is an increased risk that the virus may be introduced to the UK as a result of spread elsewhere.
	The significant uncertainties associated with an analysis of this sort mean it is impossible to assign reliable time scale to any changes.

Avian Influenza

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether each animal health office has appointed specialist vets among the State Veterinary Service to deal with potential outbreaks of avian influenza.

Ben Bradshaw: Many vets in the SVS have considerable experience and expertise in poultry diseases including avian influenza. Furthermore, confirmation of disease is based on laboratory analysis and not clinical diagnosis in the field. The SVS has recently run a programme of training for veterinary officers to update them on dealing with a potential outbreak of avian influenza.

Avian Influenza

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Department plans to spend on avian influenza research in each of the next five years.

Ben Bradshaw: The amount the Department invests into research activity on Avian Influenza (AI) will rise from £463,000 during 2005–06 to at least £545,000 during 2006–07.
	This level may be an underestimate as further new research may be put in place related to questions arising as a result of the current spread of AI.
	Because of this it is not possible to give absolute figures for the next five financial years. Other than to state that the level of funding will at least be maintained.

Biosecurity

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the advice offered by her Department to owners of equine animals which travel abroad with regard to (a) avian influenza and (b) West Nile fever.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department does not offer advice to owners of equine animals about avian influenza and West Nile Fever. However, notes for guidance accompanying official export health certificates are issued by the Department to certifying veterinarians and exporters of equine animals. Where appropriate these notes give guidance about the need to certify that the exported horse is free from West Nile Fever.

Carbon Allowances

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the allocation of individual carbon allowances in order to help the UK meet Kyoto targets for carbon emissions.

Elliot Morley: The Government have no plans to use individual carbon allowances or Domestic Tradable Quotas (DTQs) to help the UK meet its Kyoto target. Such concepts, although interesting, are not developed to an extent that would make them feasible.

Correspondence

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Minister for Nature, Conservation and Fisheries will reply to the letter from the Member for Banff and Buchan dated 27 August (DEFRA ref 223198) regarding his constituents Mr. and Mrs. W. Ritchie.

Ben Bradshaw: I replied to the hon. Member on 26 October.

Cuttlefish

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will fund a study of trends in the number of cuttlefish off the South Devon coast and the causes of changes in numbers;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the state of the cuttlefish population off the South Devon coast.

Ben Bradshaw: The cuttlefish population off the South Devon coast is part of the English Channel stock. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) have only recently completed collaborative studies on this stock. These suggest that the biomass may have increased in recent years. In the meantime, CEFAS continue to monitor trends in landings of the species and catch per unit effort by the beam trawl fleet, the main UK participants in the fishery. Further more detailed analysis will be undertaken as appropriate.

Fallen Stock Scheme

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the operation of the Fallen Stock Scheme.

Ben Bradshaw: The National Fallen Stock Scheme will have been running for one year next month. The Scheme now has 34,000 members and has made 200,000 fallen stock collections. The Scheme has generally been successful although there were some localised collections difficulties last spring. The National Fallen Stock Company is working with farming organisations and the fallen stock collection industry to address these difficulties and to provide an improved nationwide service in 2006.

Fallen Stock Scheme

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on how the fallen stock scheme has performed since its inception, with particular reference to the north west.

Ben Bradshaw: The national fallen stock scheme will have been running for one year next month. The scheme now has 34,000 members and has made 200,000 fallen stock collections. The scheme has generally been successful despite some early teething problems and localised collection difficulties last spring during the lambing season—although these were relatively few in the north west of England. The National Fallen Stock Company continues to work with local and national farming organisations and the fallen stock collection industry to provide an improved nationwide service in 2006.

Fly-tipping

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 6 July 2005, Official Report, column 418W, on fly-tipping, if she will provide the most recent information she has in the same format.

Ben Bradshaw: The Flycapture database was established in April 2004 to record all fly-tips reported to and dealt with by waste collection authorities and the Environment Agency. The following data were recorded to the Flycapture database by waste collection authorities between April 2005 and August 2005.
	It is important to note that the data are likely to increase as more authorities submit returns and get better at collecting and reporting the data.
	
		Table 1: Number of incidents of fly-tipping in each English region by land type
		
			 Region Highway Footpath bridleway Back alleyway Railway Council land 
		
		
			 East Midlands 6,984 6,305 852 20 5,027 
			 East of England 11,446 2,152 2,236 14 8,305 
			 Greater London 78,531 9,339 1,354 33 7,946 
			 North East 7,881 2,624 15,357 28 5,626 
			 North West 9,888 8,180 433,892 252 10,584 
			 South East 25,148 3,726 3,889 43 19,370 
			 South West 8,016 873 780 3 2,675 
			 West Midlands 11,357 3,462 991 18 7,240 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 9,662 7,765 2,922 35 68,317 
		
	
	
		
			 Region Agricultural Private residential Commercial industrial Watercourse Other 
		
		
			 East Midlands 117 821 528 70 183 
			 East of England 129 1,190 296 175 630 
			 Greater London 262 1,358 412 14 545 
			 North East 288 522 498 106 637 
			 North West 133 1,513 697 137 1,921 
			 South East 69 886 573 141 536 
			 South West 113 391 88 112 161 
			 West Midlands 33 718 393 69 178 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 261 871 457 97 2,794 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Number of incidents of fly-tipping in each English region by waste type
		
			 Region Animal carcass Green Vehicle parts White goods Other electrical Tyres Asbestos Clinical 
		
		
			 East Midlands 413 1,205 561 1,588 436 823 157 167 
			 East of England 245 1,893 703 1,601 597 643 146 64 
			 Greater London 666 5,276 1,796 6,688 2,526 1,855 87 68 
			 North East 194 2,174 512 1,960 790 532 110 71 
			 North West 284 2,107 544 4,175 896 1,003 179 111 
			 South East 684 3,797 1,478 3,691 2,056 1,784 171 83 
			 South West 317 885 393 1,067 486 606 73 93 
			 West Midlands 901 2,451 433 1,158 486 505 95 90 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 261 3,896 609 3,313 713 1,754 186 450 
		
	
	
		
			  Construction/ demolition/ excavation Black bags commercial Black bags household Chemical drums oil fuel Other household Other commercial Other 
		
		
			 East Midlands 1,359 521 3,995 165 7,611 975 925 
			 East of England 2,167 1,091 3,891 208 9,861 996 2,331 
			 Greater London 6,128 11,342 21,648 187 19,937 3,822 17,768 
			 North East 2,920 1,224 8,006 72 11,356 673 2,973 
			 North West 3,324 1,281 424,584 321 19,798 1,897 6,690 
			 South East 2,008 3,270 13,003 182 17,886 1,363 2,925 
			 South West 970 192 2,327 116 4,446 387 854 
			 West Midlands 1,092 1,358 5,248 94 8,777 577 1,194 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 1,600 3,123 45,495 201 19,130 1,142 11,308 
		
	
	
		Table 3: Number of incidents of fly-tipping in each London borough by land type
		
			  Highway Footpath Bridleway Back alleyway Railway Council land 
		
		
			 Corporation of London 20 14 4 0 0 
			 Barking and Dagenham — — — — — 
			 Barnet 44 1,957 2 0 0 
			 Bexley Council 91 6 2 0 7 
			 Brent — — — — — 
			 Bromley 1,430 13 67 0 67 
			 Camden 5,626 0 0 0 0 
			 Croydon 3,841 7 16 2 341 
			 Ealing 2,335 1,556 22 0 0 
			 Enfield — — — — — 
			 Greenwich 183 110 20 0 38 
			 Hackney 144 0 0 0 0 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 191 1,812 0 0 13 
			 Haringey 10,120 0 0 0 0 
			 Harrow 453 250 48 2 38 
			 Havering 698 157 59 1 3,429 
			 Hillingdon 436 0 145 5 136 
			 Hounslow 3,808 16 24 0 16 
			 Islington 1,533 0 0 0 1 
			 Lambeth 6,665 0 0 0 0 
			 Lewisham 6,044 516 528 0 1,651 
			 Merton 1,147 100 45 2 25 
			 Newham — — — — — 
			 Redbridge 1,968 0 153 0 0 
			 Richmond Upon Thames 631 75 65 2 11 
			 Southwark 8,891 22 43 0 1,751 
			 Sutton 972 10 0 0 185 
			 Tower Hamlets 186 1,553 20 0 175 
			 Waltham Forest 1,424 0 65 19 56 
			 Wandsworth — — — — — 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 16,779 0 0 0 0 
			 Kingston upon Thames — — — — — 
			 Westminster City Council 2,871 1,165 26 0 6 
		
	
	
		
			  Agricultural Private residential Commercial industrial Watercourse Other 
		
		
			 Corporation of London 233 0 0 0 0 
			 Barking and Dagenham — — — — — 
			 Barnet 0 13 0 0 133 
			 Bexley Council 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Brent — — — — — 
			 Bromley 0 3 0 0 7 
			 Camden 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Croydon 0 30 3 0 27 
			 Ealing 0 126 0 0 0 
			 Enfield — — — — — 
			 Greenwich 0 10 30 0 0 
			 Hackney 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 0 0 2 0 89 
			 Haringey 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Harrow 0 24 3 0 13 
			 Havering 0 25 7 3 48 
			 Hillingdon 7 177 152 0 12 
			 Hounslow 2 12 11 0 2 
			 Islington 0 0 0 0 8 
			 Lambeth 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Lewisham 0 665 0 0 0 
			 Merton 0 80 19 11 2 
			 Newham — — — — — 
			 Redbridge 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Richmond Upon Thames 20 4 9 0 0 
			 Southwark 0 7 112 0 8 
			 Sutton 0 136 22 0 0 
			 Tower Hamlets 0 5 2 0 6 
			 Waltham Forest 0 25 31 0 0 
			 Wandsworth — — — — — 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Kingston upon Thames — — — — — 
			 Westminster City Council 0 15 9 0 190 
		
	
	
		Table 4: Number of incidents of fly-tipping in each London borough by waste type
		
			  Animal carcass Green Vehicle parts White goods Other electrical Tyres Asbestos Clinical 
		
		
			 Corporation of London 0 72 4 13 0 1 1 0 
			 Barking and Dagenham — — — — — — — — 
			 Barnet 1 83 24 227 53 8 0 0 
			 Bexley Council 0 4 2 15 3 7 0 0 
			 Brent — — — — — — — — 
			 Bromley 0 204 39 96 5 73 0 0 
			 Camden 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Croydon 10 350 35 641 97 44 5 0 
			 Ealing 151 505 32 381 168 0 11 0 
			 Enfield — — — — — — — — 
			 Greenwich 20 0 3 58 0 22 2 0 
			 Hackney 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 0 81 9 97 37 1 0 0 
			 Haringey 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Harrow 25 30 19 55 38 3 0 0 
			 Havering 5 606 101 462 76 207 28 1 
			 Hillingdon 0 44 0 43 0 0 8 0 
			 Hounslow 0 228 45 82 63 53 5 3 
			 Islington 0 34 6 240 17 6 0 0 
			 Lambeth 8 321 13 226 183 431 5 5 
			 Lewisham 253 623 726 1450 413 602 0 0 
			 Merton 2 164 22 110 32 23 2 0 
			 Newham — — — — — — — — 
			 Redbridge 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Richmond Upon Thames 0 96 8 70 12 24 6 0 
			 Southwark 20 664 467 748 585 165 1 44 
			 Button 2 62 21 102 31 28 6 1 
			 Tower Hamlets 4 70 57 12 42 74 0 0 
			 Waltham Forest 67 26 20 120 100 20 4 2 
			 Wandsworth — — — — — — — — 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 27 969 122 1335 503 61 1 10 
			 Kingston Upon Thames — — — — — — — — 
			 Westminster City Council 3 40 21 105 68 2 2 2 
		
	
	
		
			  Construction/ demolition/ excavation Black bags commercial Black bags Household Chemical drums oil fuel Other household Other commercial Other 
		
		
			 Corporation of London 45 9 22 5 81 18 0 
			 Barking and Dagenham — — — — — — — 
			 Barnet 229 63 246 15 727 191 282 
			 Bexley Council 21 1 13 1 32 3 5 
			 Brent — — — — — — — 
			 Bromley 292 38 305 1 353 47 134 
			 Camden 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,626 
			 Croydon 426 1,537 1,023 2 56 0 41 
			 Ealing 3 336 674 1 67 271 1,439 
			 Enfield — — — — — — — 
			 Greenwich 45 60 103 0 70 8 0 
			 Hackney 3 79 12 1 18 8 23 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 105 33 308 3 808 24 601 
			 Haringey 0 2,332 2,332 0 0 0 5,456 
			 Harrow 45 31 231 5 222 45 82 
			 Havering 141 34 1,891 8 742 60 65 
			 Hillingdon 50 68 432 0 153 53 219 
			 Hounslow 106 1,173 1,265 11 320 126 411 
			 Islington 99 530 21 17 383 56 133 
			 Lambeth 868 223 737 50 2,391 312 892 
			 Lewisham 1,262 492 1,071 0 2,249 263 0 
			 Merton 176 50 409 3 310 51 77 
			 Newham — — — — — — — 
			 Redbridge 0 0 394 0 1,659 0 0 
			 Richmond Upon Thames 78 10 206 1 293 11 2 
			 Southwark 584 352 2,480 21 3,539 542 622 
			 Button 260 20 96 1 419 57 219 
			 Tower Hamlets 57 271 514 0 293 469 84 
			 Waltham Forest 52 24 103 0 966 97 19 
			 Wandsworth — — — — — — — 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 1,059 3,238 6,013 37 2,897 439 68 
			 Kingston Upon Thames — — — — — — — 
			 Westminster City Council 122 338 747 4 889 671 1,268 
		
	
	Note:
	1. Fly-tipping data based on returns reported to the Flycapture database between April 2005 and August 2005.
	2. No data are shown where an authority has failed to submit returns.

Food Imports

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that food imports meet animal welfare standards imposed in the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: This Government are committed to raising standards of animal welfare both at home and internationally.
	All food produced within the European Union (EU) that is imported into the UK must meet EU animal welfare standards. However, World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules do not permit restrictions on imports solely on animal welfare grounds. The Government are working with our trading partners to raise the profile of animal welfare issues on the WTO agenda.

Foot and Mouth

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to monitor the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Brazil; and what plans she has to restrict the importation of meat from Brazil.

Ben Bradshaw: Brazil reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the state of Mato Grosso du Sol on 8 October this year. The Commission advised member states of the outbreak on 10 October, and brought forward a proposal to suspend imports from Mato Grosso du Sol on 11 October. Following discussions in Brussels on 12 October, revised measures were agreed banning imports of meat and offal from Mato du Sol, Sao Paulo and Parana. The UK amended its measures to reflect the changes on 13 October.
	The rules for imports of meat are the subject of EU rules. Imports are not permitted from countries or areas of countries where foot and mouth disease is endemic.
	The UK monitor the global situation in respect of notifiable diseases. When a new outbreak of a disease is confirmed we carry out an assessment of the risk to the UK and liaise closely with the European Commission and other member states to decide what action is necessary to protect the UK. The UK act promptly in line with Community decisions to ban imports of animals and products from countries or parts of countries that present a risk.

Foot and Mouth

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she has taken in response to the recent foot and mouth outbreak in Brazil.

Ben Bradshaw: Brazil reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the state of Mato Grosso du Sol on 8 October this year. The Commission advised member states of the outbreak on 10 October, and brought forward a proposal to suspend imports from Mato Grosso du Sol on 11 October. Following discussions in Brussels on 12 October, revised measures were agreed banning imports of meat and offal from Mato du Sol, Sao Paulo and Parana.
	The UK monitor the global situation in respect of notifiable diseases. When a new outbreak of a disease is confirmed we carry out an assessment of the risk to the UK and liaise closely with the European Commission and other member states to decide what action is necessary to protect the UK.
	The UK act promptly in line with Community decisions to ban imports of animals and products from countries or parts of countries that present a risk.

Foot and Mouth

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the safety of beef from Brazil, with particular reference to the incidence of foot and mouth disease in that country.

Ben Bradshaw: On 13 October 2005, in line with EU action, the UK banned imports of bovine meat from the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana and Sao Paulo in Brazil due to the foot and mouth outbreak in Mato Grosso do Sul.
	We carry out risk assessments of any disease outbreak which occurs in a country which is permitted under EU regulations to export to the EU. The action we took to ban imports from the affected states of Brazil was in line with our assessment.

Foot and Mouth

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risk of re-introduction of foot and mouth disease arising from the importation of Brazilian beef.

Ben Bradshaw: On 13 October 2005, in line with EU action, the UK banned imports of bovine meat from the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana and Sao Paulo in Brazil due to the food and mouth outbreak in Mato Grosso do Sul.
	We carry out risk assessments of any disease outbreak which occurs in a country which is permitted under EU regulations to export to the EU. The action we took to ban imports from the affected states of Brazil was in line with our assessment.

Game Birds

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will commission independent scientific research into the welfare impact of the use of battery cages to house game birds; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: There are currently no plans to commission research into the use of battery cages to house game birds.
	However, the Animal Welfare Bill will seek to establish the general principle that people have a responsibility to ensure the welfare of animals they are responsible for. In relation to game birds, we propose to use the powers available under the Bill to reinforce the duty to ensure welfare by formally regulating their keeping. We will aim to introduce a code of practice to provide guidance on accommodation and management methods and ensure that high welfare standards are met. These arrangements would be subject to consultation with the public and expert stakeholders, and separate endorsement by Parliament.

Greyhounds

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received on improving greyhound welfare standards at non-National Greyhound Racing Clubs-registered racing tracks.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 26 October 2005
	Defra ran a public consultation on a draft Animal Welfare Bill in 2002. Respondents raised the issue of greyhound welfare at both National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC)-registered tracks and the 'independent' tracks. An analysis of the replies to this consultation is available on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domestic/awbillconsultanalysis. pdf

Greyhounds

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent estimate she has made of the number of greyhounds, retired from racing, which are (a) homed and (b) destroyed each year.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 26 October 2005
	The Government does not hold data on retired greyhounds. However, evidence supplied to Defra suggests that there may be a problem with the number of greyhounds which are not properly re-homed when retired from racing.
	This summer, Defra set up a Greyhound Working Group to examine issues relating to greyhound welfare, including the fate of retired greyhounds.

Hazardous Waste

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of costs resulting from the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in Essex in the last period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: Waste collection authorities and the Environment Agency in Essex dealt with a total 25,009 incidents of fly-tipping between April 2004 and March 2005 at total estimated cost of £1,263,727. Of these incidents, 297 were Asbestos or Chemical/Oil/Drums.
	The total cost estimate is based on the size of incident not the waste type. It is likely that these figures are an underestimate as they come from the first year of the Flycapture database and will not include all incidents on private land.

Landfill Diversion

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria apply when a local authority is considering a private finance initiative response to cope with landfill diversion; whether this will include energy from waste solutions; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Proposed PFI projects must meet value for money criteria. These general PFI criteria are set out in the PFI Project Support Guide issued by HM Treasury, available at www.local.odpm.gov.uk/pfi/pfisupport.pdf.
	A set of waste-specific PFI criteria were introduced in 2000 and ensure that projects focus on recycling-led solutions and sustainable solutions in keeping with the waste hierarchy. These criteria were amended in 2003 and can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/localauth/funding/pfi/criteria.htm.
	Revisions to these criteria are currently the subject of consultation. The revised criteria set out formally points that are already enshrined in guidance and good practice already being encouraged for authorities bidding for credits over the last two years.
	The criteria emphasise that waste strategies should pay due regard to the waste hierarchy. The Government support the use of incineration with energy recovery for the disposal of residual waste left following re-use and recycling, or where materials cannot be safely or practically re-used or recycled.

Legal Meat Imports

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the potential health and safety issues raised by legal meat imports.

Ben Bradshaw: Animal health requirements for the import of meat from countries outside the EU are set in European law.
	Meat may only come from countries regarded as having adequate veterinary services, a good history of disease control and a programme in place to monitor the presence of residues of veterinary medicines in animal products.
	If these conditions are fulfilled, the country is approved to export to the EU.
	Furthermore, meat may only be imported from EU approved establishments and must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate. All meat imported into the EU must be taken directly to a border inspection post where it is checked by official veterinarians.

Legal Meat Imports

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in how many countries which export beef to the UK foot and mouth has been reported.

Ben Bradshaw: In general, countries that are permitted to export to the EU must not have had any outbreak of foot and mouth disease. However, some countries are regionalised to allow imports from areas of the country which are not affected by the disease.

Ministerial Travel

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many air miles were accrued through ministerial travel in her Department in 2004–05, broken down by Minister; how many were (a) foregone and (b) donated to charity, broken down by charity; and whether air miles accrued by officials were required to be (i) foregone and (ii) given to charity.

Margaret Beckett: Ministerial travel is conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers. Guidance for Ministers on the use of air miles is set out in the Ministerial Code. The guidance makes clear that air miles should be used only for official purposes or else foregone. However, if it is impracticable to use the benefits for Government travel, there is no objection to Ministers donating them to charity where this is permissible under the terms of the airline's scheme and the charity is one chosen by the airline.
	Similar rules are in place for officials. No records are held centrally of any such donations.

Plastic Bag Tax

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the merits of a plastic bag tax; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Government recognize the benefits of reducing the number of plastic bags used, but does not consider that the case for a tax on plastic bags has been demonstrated conclusively. A recent Extended Impact Assessment carried out by the Scottish Executive on a proposal to introduce a levy on plastic carrier bags in Scotland concluded that there would be a broad environmental disbenefit if a levy was introduced on the lines proposed. We are continuing to keep developments in Scotland and Ireland under review.
	The number of single-use plastic bags in circulation could be significantly reduced through reuse and recycling, so we have asked the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to investigate the feasibility of a national Bag for Life scheme. This would encourage consumers to use strong, re-usable plastic bags in place of single-use bags. Life cycle analysis surveys suggest that re-using such bags between four and seven times would have significant environmental benefits when compared to alternatives such as plastic carrier bags, paper bags and biodegradable bags.
	WRAP are currently trialling a national Bag for Life scheme in Bristol and Edinburgh, in association with supermarket retailers, the Scottish Executive, the British Retail Consortium and Scottish Waste Awareness. Approximately 35 to 40 supermarket outlets in each town will take part in these trials.

Recycling

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how much Government funding has been allocated to (a) local authorities and (b) the Waste and Resources Action Programme for assisting small and medium enterprises to increase recycling;
	(2)  how much she has allocated to the feasibility study and trials of collecting materials for recycling from small and medium enterprises; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: On (a) there is no specific Defra funding programme enabling local authorities to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase recycling. However, local authorities are free to use un-ringfenced funding provided under the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services block of revenue support grant, or the Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant for these purposes.
	On (b) Defra have allocated £556,000 to WRAP in 2005–06 to conduct a pilot project on collection of recyclables from SMEs.

Recycling

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to assist small and medium-sized enterprises to identify appropriate recycling services.

Ben Bradshaw: Defra is funding the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to conduct a pilot project to assess the feasibility of greater recyclate collection services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
	This feasibility study will deliver a series of trials of collecting materials for recycling from SMEs in order to evaluate a range of factors including geographical location, collection and communication techniques and financial models. Several business sectors are to be targeted through the trials including offices, retail and wholesale, pubs, hotels and restaurants, glaziers and window replacement companies. The trials will seek to provide an appropriate recycling service for SMEs including provision of collection infrastructure and communication resources.

Slaughterhouses

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will seek an amendment to the Waste Incineration Directive to allow rendered animal tallow to continue to be used as a fuel in slaughterhouses and rendering plants.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 26 October 2005
	The Waste Incineration Directive does not preclude the use of waste tallow as fuel in slaughterhouses or rendering plants. The aim of the Directive is to prevent or to limit as far as practicable negative effects on the environment from the incineration and co-incineration of waste. I have written twice to the European Commission, asking for an amendment to the Waste Incineration Directive to exclude from its scope plants which only burn waste tallow. Although I have not yet received a substantive reply from DG Environment, I understand that they intend to commission a study of the issue.

TB

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in what species of animals TB has been found; and in what year it was first identified in each species.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 25 October 2005
	We are unable to provide the information requested, as this would only be available at a disproportionate cost.
	The Chief Veterinary Officer's annual report, available on the Defra website, provides a summary of TB cases reported in animals other than cattle and badgers. A copy of the annual report is available in the House Library.
	The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) has recently published a report entitled 'The risk to cattle from wildlife species other than badgers in areas of high herd breakdown risk'. This shows that M bovis has been isolated from a number of British wildlife species; notably foxes, stoats, polecats, common shrews, yellow-necked mice, wood mice, field voles, grey squirrels and deer. This document is available on the Defra website at: http://www2.defra.gov.uk/research/project_data/More. asp?l=SE3010&M=KWS&V=se3010&SCOPE=0
	Further information can be found in the CSL paper 'The Status of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in UK Wild Mammals: A Review' A copy of this paper is available in the Library of the House.

TB

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the proportion of badger setts in which tuberculosis is present; and what steps she is taking to test all badger setts for evidence of tuberculosis.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 25 October 2005
	There are no reliable techniques to either assess the infective status of a sett or the badgers that may regularly or occasionally live within it.
	The use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing on environmental samples for Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is being assessed by the Veterinary Laboratory Agency and Imperial College. There are concerns that the current PCR tests are low in sensitivity, may not be detecting viable organisms and not be specific for M. bovis. This can lead to false positive results when other mycobacteria are present.

TB

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the known wildlife reservoirs of bovine TB; and which are the subject of Government-commissioned research into the causes and transmission of bovine TB.

Ben Bradshaw: It is well known that Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is endemic in the badger population and this has been the subject of many detailed studies. M. bovis has also been isolated from a number of mammalian species including red deer, sika deer, roe deer, fallow deer, fox, mink, brown rat, and mole.
	More recently, a study conducted by Oxford University (SE3009) carried out a systematic survey of over four thousand small mammals and found M. bovis in a single bank vole and three badgers. Another survey conducted by Central Science Laboratory (SE3010) found M. bovis in fox, stoat, common shrew, yellow necked mouse, wood mouse, field vole, grey squirrel, roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, and muntjac deer. Many of these had been shown in the past to harbour M. bovis occasionally, but this project has been the first to show M. bovis in muntjac deer. The prevalence in most of these species was very low and ecological factors suggested that they posed little risk. However, the findings highlighted red and fallow deer as being of potential risk to cattle. Therefore, Defra has commissioned two quantitative risk assessment studies to try to quantify the risk wild deer may pose in spreading TB to cattle.
	The final report from SE3010 can be found on the Defra website at: <http://www2.defra.gov.uk/research/proiect_data/More.asp?I=SE3010&M=KWS&V= se3010&SCOPE=0>.

TB

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on cattle to cattle transfer of bovine TB.

Ben Bradshaw: The results of DEFRA-funded research 'Cattle Movements and Bovine Tuberculosis in GB' were published in Nature on 26 May 2005. The research demonstrated that the movement of cattle is a critical risk-factor for the disease. This supports the case for pre-movement testing, which we aim to introduce in England as quickly as possible.
	A number of measures have been introduced aimed at tightening surveillance and reducing the risk of TB spreading to new areas. The recalculation of routine testing intervals will ensure TB testing complies with Commission legislation while offering robust protection. Livestock movement restrictions are now imposed immediately a herd's routine test becomes overdue and a more rigorous and systematic approach to identifying and dealing with potential new TB hotspots is in place. In addition to this, rigorous testing schedules for new and reformed herds have been introduced.

TB

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will order the cull of badgers with bovine TB; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: We are currently working on modelling and cost-benefit analysis of badger culling options using existing and emerging data. The Government is prepared to cull badgers if the available evidence shows that it is cost-effective, practicable, sustainable and humane. Our policy must be part of a balanced approach to reducing TB in cattle. I plan to make an announcement on more detailed plans for dealing with bovine TB later this autumn.

TB

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent evidence she has evaluated on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis amongst the badger population of the UK.

Ben Bradshaw: There is no centrally collected data on the incidence of bovine TB in the badger population at a UK level.

TB

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what further action she plans to take to counter the spread of tuberculosis in cattle; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend for the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 17 October 2005, Official Report, column 667W.

Waste

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what percentage of controlled non-municipal waste in England and Wales was classified as recyclable in each year since 1995;
	(2)  what the total amount of controlled waste from non-municipal sources in England and Wales was for each of the years 1995 to 2005; and what amount of controlled waste from such sources went to landfill in each year.

Ben Bradshaw: Information is not available for all years in the format requested. Information is not available on the amounts of non-municipal waste which is recyclable but not actually recycled or re-used. The tables show available information on controlled non-municipal waste. Information for construction and demolition waste cover England only. Industrial and commercial waste cover England and Wales. Information for dredged materials cover United Kingdom.
	
		Controlled non-municipal waste, total arisings(2) -- Million tonnes
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 Construction and demolition — — 69 — 89 — 91 
			 Industrial — 50 — — — 42 — 
			 Commercial — 25 — — — 31 — 
			 Dredged materials(3) 22 17 33 17 — — — 
		
	
	(2) In addition there is around one million tonnes of sewage sludge produced each year.
	(3) Materials dumped at sea.
	
		Controlled non-municipal waste, recycled and re-used -- Million tonnes (percentage of total source)
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 Construction and demolition — — 24(35) — 43 (49) — 45 (50) 
			 Industrial — 22 (44) — — — 20 (49) — 
			 Commercial — 6 (24) — — — 11 (37) — 
		
	
	
		Controlled non-municipal waste, sent to landfill -- Million tonnes (percentage of total source)
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 Construction and demolition — — 26 (37) — 23 26) — 29 (32) 
			 Industrial — 21 (42) — — — 14 (34) — 
			 Commercial — 13 (54) — — — 15 (48) —

Waste

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Government will introduce a zero waste policy as a long-term goal of its waste strategy.

Ben Bradshaw: Waste Strategy 2000 set out the Government's priorities for sustainable waste management. The Government's response to the Strategy Unit Report Waste Not Want Not" identified further steps to be taken to help deliver our priorities and targets. Although Waste Strategy 2000 is not a zero waste strategy (either zero waste to landfill, or a totally closed resource cycle), it does demand substantial waste minimisation, and significantly increased levels of re-use and recycling. In our current review of Waste Strategy 2000 we are considering what our long-term goal should be.

Whaling

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 12 October 2005, Official Report, column 474W, on whaling, how meat from whales killed under special permits was then sold on the consumer market.

Ben Bradshaw: Under Article VIII of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling any whales taken under special permits shall so far as practicable be processed and the proceeds shall be dealt with in accordance with directions issued by the Government by which the permit was granted.
	It is therefore a matter for those countries who conduct whaling operations under special permit to decide how they dispose of the meat of the whales taken. Only Japan and Iceland conduct such operations and we understand that the vast majority of the whale meat derived therefrom is sold on their domestic markets.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Africa

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what response he has made to the recent African Union Declaration on EU-ACP economic partnership agreements, with particular reference to Reform Article XXIV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Ian Pearson: The UK has not responded to the African Union declaration. In the UK position paper on Economic Partnership Agreements published in March, the Government said that
	'the EU should propose within the WTO that Article XXIV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, should be reviewed as suggested by the Commission for Africa, in order to reduce the requirements for reciprocity and increase the focus on development priorities.'

Anti-Dumping Legislation

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is on the anti-dumping legislation on polythene bags being proposed by the European Commission.

Ian Pearson: holding answer 21 October 2005
	The European Commission has yet to propose anti-dumping legislation on polyethylene bags originating in China, Malaysia and Thailand. If it does so, any proposal will be examined on its merits.

Atomic Energy

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements there are for the review of security at the Dounreay Atomic Energy Research Centre.

Malcolm Wicks: Security at the UK's civil nuclear sites is kept under regular review by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the security regulator. They are satisfied that existing procedures are robust and effective.

Awards

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what awards his Department has sponsored in the last 12 months; what the value was of each; and how many entries were received for each award.

Alan Johnson: This information is not held centrally within the DTI. An answer to this question could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Below-cost Retailing

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will assess the effects of introducing a ban on below-cost retail selling; and what assessment he has made of the extent of such bans in other EU countries.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 24 October 2005
	I have no plans to assess the effect of introducing a ban on below-cost retail selling at the current time.
	The Competition Commission (CC) monopoly report 'Supermarkets: A Report on the Supply of Groceries from multiple stores in the United Kingdom' was published on 10 October 2000. The CC concluded that the practice of persistent below-cost selling when conducted by supermarkets with market power, operates against the public interest. However, the CC stated that remedies to prevent below-cost selling could themselves have adverse effects and would be disproportionate to the problem. Therefore the CC made no recommendations for remedial action. In its report, the CC noted that bans on sales below-cost in other countries had not been very effective.
	The European Commission is currently undertaking a study of member state regulations on sales below-cost and my Department will follow the results with interest.

Clear Skies Programme

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is taking to ensure the continuity of grants for both sections of the Clear Skies Programme.

Malcolm Wicks: The Clear Skies Programme is being replaced by the low Carbon Building Programme and we are currently developing the details of the new programme and considering how best to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to grant support.

Clearskies and Solar Photovoltaics

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to replace the grant scheme for clear skies and photovoltaics when they come to an end.

Malcolm Wicks: Clear Skies and the Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme will be replaced by a low carbon buildings programme which is due to be in place by April 2006.

Company Law

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to introduce a statutory duty on company directors (a) to consider, (b) report on and (c) to mitigate negative impacts which their business may have on communities and their environment in his proposed reform of company law.

Alun Michael: The Government regards responsible business behaviour as very important and that corporate social responsibility can help companies to become more efficient, more profitable and more sustainable. The Company Law Reform Bill will address one aspect of corporate social responsibility through its introduction of a statutory statement of directors general duties. This will provide greater clarity to directors on how they are expected to behave. The basic goal of directors is the success of the company in the collective best interests of shareholders, but in fulfilling this duty directors will be required, to have regard to factors such as the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment. This approach will give directors the clarity they need, while recognising that business prosperity and responsible business behaviour are two sides of the same coin. It complements the requirement on quoted companies to report on matters such as social and community issues and the environment in the operating and financial review where these are necessary for an understanding of the nature of the business.
	The Government recognises that the corporate social responsibility agenda is varied and wide. It does not believe that company law reform can address all of the issues within this agenda, and it will continue to consider more broadly how the regulatory and fiscal framework can encourage responsible business behaviour.

Company Law

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on allowing stakeholders a means of redress when companies have had a negative impact on communities or the environment; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The Government has received a large number of responses to its proposals for company law reform. Many of these have commented on the proposals relating to the statutory statement of directors' duties, and on issues relating to the question in whose interests should companies be run?". The responses have been considered carefully and have informed the drafting of the relevant clauses of the Company Law Reform Bill.

Consultants

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his Department's total spending on management consultants has been in each of the last three years.

Alun Michael: Central records indicate that the Department's total spending on management consultants in each of the last three financial years has been as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2003–04 1,107,186 
			 2004–05 2,005,669 
			 2005–06 (4)1,095,494 
		
	
	(4) To date.

Departmental Publications

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) publications and (b) surveys his Department has published in each year since 1997; and how many copies of these publications have been (i) distributed to businesses in hard copy and (ii) placed on the Department's website.

Alan Johnson: Between 1 January 1997 and 20 October 2005 10,066 titles were produced and notified to my Department's Publications Unit. On 20 October 2005, 3,889 were currently available, of which 2,516 were available on the website. Figures for individual years could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	Under the current contract for distribution of hard copy publications 8,158,884 items were dispatched in 2003, 6,578,809 in 2004 and 4,250,532 from 1 January to 20 October 2005. Figures for earlier years could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It is not possible to distinguish between items sent to businesses and those sent to individuals.

Departmental Publications

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what cost benefit analysis is undertaken by his Department prior to commissioning publications and surveys; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: Cost Benefit Appraisal guidance is made available to all producers of DTI publications.
	Statistical surveys throughout government are subject to Survey Control procedures co-ordinated by the Office for National Statistics. These procedures ensure compliance with instructions laid down by the Prime Minister in 1999 (see link below).
	All survey sponsors must obtain Survey Control clearance.
	Departments provide summary survey control information to ONS to produce the 'Annual Report of GSS Survey Activity' (see link below). Details of the balance of costs and benefits for each survey conducted in the Department are not however collated centrally.
	Prime Minister's Instructions
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/data/methodology/quality/downloads/gss_survey_control_new_instructions_inc_pms_ note.pdf
	Annual Report of GSS Survey Activity
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_other/GSSReport2003–04.pdf

Departmental Staff

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the secondees (a) working and (b) who have worked during the last 12 months in his Department; and which organisation each has been seconded from.

Alan Johnson: The table indicates the secondees currently working in the Department of Trade and Industry and the organisation each has been seconded from.
	
		
			 Name of Secondee Organisation Name 
		
		
			 Mr. Lew Adams Strategic Rail Authority 
			 Professor Christine Adams SIRA Ltd. 
			 Dr. Helen Almey dstl 
			 Mr. Norman Bolton TUV NEL 
			 Mr. Edwin Bowles Exploration Consultants Ltd. 
			 Ms Sara Brazendale Reuters Ltd. 
			 Mr. David Brooks BP plc 
			 Mr. Michael Cauter KPMG 
			 Mr. Andy Clarey BT Group plc 
			 Mr. Edward Clarke Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 
			 Ms Jessica Cobb Forensic Accounting Ltd. 
			 Mr. Graham Cook PKF 
			 Mr. Brian Nicholas Cook UKPIA 
			 Mr. Hugh Crooks Royal Agricultural Society of England 
			 Mr. Mark Donougher Pricewaterhouse Coopers 
			 Ms Julia Durham Cardiff County Council 
			 Mr. Kevin Ennis Royal Bank of Scotland 
			 Dr. Andy Feest AEA Technology plc 
			 Ms Rebecca Garrod Northwest Development Agency 
			 Mr. Michael Gilbert National Grid Transco 
			 Mr. Jeremy Goad Black and Veatch Ltd. 
			 Dr. Paul Gower Financial Services Authority 
			 Ms Claire Graham Cobbetts 
			 Mr. John Griggs Building Research Establishment 
			 Mr. William Harris Fife Council 
			 Mr. Nick Heyes Marine Electronic Services Ltd. 
			 Mr. Ben Higgin Pricewaterhouse Coopers 
			 Dr. Diane Houston University of Kent 
			 Mr. Thomas Huang British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Robert Hudson Hyder Consulting 
			 Mr. Jonathan Hughes Deloitte & Touche 
			 Mr. Marcus Jackson Ernst & Young 
			 Ms Rosie Janes BDO Stoy Hayward 
			 Mr. Gary Kass Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology 
			 Mr. Patrick Keen South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) 
			 Mr. John Law WPS Environmental Ltd 
			 Mr. Markus Loebbert Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour 
			 Mr. Jonathan Lonsdale Ecotec Research & Consulting Ltd. 
			 Dr. Christopher Mansfield Shell UK Exploration & Production 
			 Ms Joanne Marsden dstl 
			 Mr. Alan Me Arthur Middlesborough College 
			 Mr. Iain McCord London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham 
			 Mr. Malcolm Mitchell Chemical Industries Association 
			 Ms Barbara Morton Manchester School of Management 
			 Mr. Noah Myers URS Corporation 
			 Mr. Daniel Ninan GKN 
			 Ms Emily Nott Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 
			 Mr. Allan Ockenden Mott MacDonald Group Ltd. 
			 Mr. Ray Parkinson British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Phillip Patterson Association of Independent Music Ltd. 
			 Dr. Robert Quarshie Corus 
			 Ms Amber Raz Fawcett Society 
			 Mr. Leon Rogers National Physical Laboratory 
			 Mr. Mark Russell KPMG 
			 Mr. Dave Schultz BT Group plc 
			 Mr. Stephen Senior Ernst & Young 
			 Mr. Michael Shanks RWE Innogy plc 
			 Mr. Garth Shephard Envisage Ltd. 
			 Mr. Gordon Stevenson Lee & Alien Consulting Ltd. 
			 Mr. Risto Talas Maritime & Underwater Consultants Ltd. 
			 Mr. David Talbot British Geological Survey 
			 Mr. Charlie Villar Deloitte & Touche 
			 Mr. Neil Viner Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 
			 Mr. John von Speyr DSL Consultants Ltd. 
			 Mr. Jeremy Webb Pricewaterhouse Coopers 
			 Dr. Sarah Webb Natural Environment Research Council 
			 Mr. Stephen Westwood New Zealand Trade and Enterprise 
			 Ms Barbara Wilson Corgi Hosiery Ltd. 
			 Mr. Gordon Wright BAE Systems plc 
			 Mr. John Wright Kellogg Brown & Root Ltd. 
		
	
	The following table indicates the secondees that completed their secondments to the Department of Trade and Industry during the last 12 months and the organisation each was seconded from.
	
		
			 Name of Secondee Organisation Name 
		
		
			 Mr. Colin Ager National Physical Laboratory 
			 Ms Silu Ali Oracle Corporation UK Ltd. 
			 Mr. Martyn Alien BAE Systems plc 
			 Ms Rita Barallon LGC Ltd. 
			 Mr. Malcolm Barents UKAEA 
			 Mr. Mike Barradell KPMG 
			 Mr. David Basford Smiths Aerospace 
			 Mr. Frederick Bassnett Raylian London 
			 Ms Fahima Begum BT Group plc 
			 Ms Sandra Blair BAE Systems plc 
			 Ms Debbie Boswell British Jewellery and Giftware Federation 
			 Ms Carol Brady Kent County Council 
			 Ms Jennifer Churchward Ernst & Young 
			 Ms Jos Cleare Hill & Knowlton 
			 Mr. Peter Concannon FaberMaunsell 
			 Mr. David Crookes RWE npower plc 
			 Mr. Adam Dawson Shell Information Technologies International 
			 Dr. Ian Downey Science Systems (Space) Ltd. 
			 Ms Lynn Duggan London Borough of Camden 
			 Mr. Alan Eastwood Chemical Industries Association 
			 Ms Melanie Evans BAE Systems plc 
			 Mr. Paul Fawcett HSBC Bank 
			 Mr. Christian Franceschi DSL Consultants Ltd. 
			 Mr. Richard Francis RWE NUKEM Ltd. 
			 Mr. Tony Godley UKAEA 
			 Dr. Hilary Hartigan NPL Management Ltd. 
			 Mr. Christopher Hill Shell UK Exploration & Production 
			 Mr. David Hodgson London First Centre 
			 Mr. Mark Holt Business Link Cheshire and Warrington 
			 Ms Judith Hopson Marine Electronic Services Ltd. 
			 Ms Nicole Hough UKAEA 
			 Mr. Mike Jewitt Business Link Leicester 
			 Dr. James Johnstone NPL Management Ltd. 
			 Miss Briony Jones Lloyds TSB Group plc 
			 Ms Alexia Jones Deluca 
			 Mr. Anthony Kildare Yorkshire Forward 
			 Ms Jane Kilgannon Disability Rights Commission 
			 Professor David King Cambridge University 
			 Mr. Errol Levy Astrium UK 
			 Ms Carolyn Luke BAE Systems plc 
			 Mr. Peter Maggs BP plc 
			 Ms Anne McFarlane Natural Environment Research Council 
			 Mr. Masaharu Minami Japan Fair Trade Commission 
			 Mr. Richard Mrowicki British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Adrian Nicholls Ernst & Young 
			 Ms Eva Park Seoul International Post Office 
			 Ms Magdalena Roel BP plc 
			 Ms Philippa Ryan East Midland Development Agency 
			 Ms Manjit Sahota BAE Systems plc 
			 Mr. Robin Sellers British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Martyn Skinner Tate & Lyle plc 
			 Mr. Robin Sloan Ove Arup & Partners 
			 Ms Philippa Spence Australian Civil Service 
			 Mr. James Stephens BAE Systems plc 
			 Mr. David Still AMEC Project Investments 
			 Mr. Peter Tandy British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Gary Taylor British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Oliver Towers Rolls-Royce plc 
			 Mr. John Varney Nottingham Trent University 
			 Mr. John Vernon Passionate Spirits Ltd. 
			 Mr. John Vimpany Exhibition Consultants Ltd. 
			 Ms Jenny Ward Teacher Training Agency 
			 Mr. David Warner British Nuclear Fuel plc 
			 Mr. Frank Watson IBM (UK) 
			 Mr. David Williams Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon

Departmental Staff

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the rates of employee absence in his Department have been in each year since 1997.

Alan Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the figures contained in the annual report Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service" published by the Cabinet Office. Table A of the report gives details of both the average working days absence per staff year and the number of staff years on which that calculation is based on. The most recent report for the calendar year 2003 was published on 1 November 2004, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House. This report and those for 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are available on the Cabinet Office website at: http://www.civilservice. gov.uk/management_of_the_civil_service/conditions_ of_service/occupational_health/publications/index.asp

Departmental Staff

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what training in (a) literacy and (b) numeracy is offered to employees of his Department.

Alan Johnson: The Department of Trade and Industry offers all employees on an equal basis the right to attend courses to improve their numeracy and literacy skills. These include courses offered by the departmental supplier of training such as effective written skills. We also offer the chance to pursue the skills for life numeracy and literacy programme at an independent educational establishment on day release if they so choose.

Departmental Vehicles

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the fuel efficiency is of each make and model of vehicle (a) owned and (b) leased by his Department.

Alan Johnson: The information requested is as follows.
	(a) The Department does not own any vehicles.
	(b) The fuel efficiency of each make and model of vehicle leased by staff for business use in the Department is:
	
		
			 Vehicle CO 2  emissions (g/km) 
		
		
			 Citroen C3 1.4i LX 148 
			 Fiat Punto 1.2 MIA 136 
			 Ford Focus 1.8TDi 143 
			 FordKALSi 154 
			 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 LS 183 
		
	
	The following vehicles are provided by the Government Car Service for use by the DTI:
	
		
			 Vehicle CO 2  emissions (g/km) 
		
		
			 Toyota Prius x4 104 
			 Ford Mondeo x1 218 
			 Ford Mondeo Zetec x1 218 
			 Rover 75 x1 249

Departmental Vehicles

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps have been taken to meet his Department's commitment in the Energy White paper to make maximum use of new vehicles and fuels in the Department's fleet of vehicles.

Alan Johnson: The Department does not own any vehicles. It provides five vehicles for business use through a vehicle lease contract. DTI is considering joining an across government framework lease car agreement which should be in place in 2006, and will at that point evaluate available vehicle options within that agreement to make maximum use of more fuel efficient vehicles and increased use of low carbon fuels.
	The rules relating to the use of official cars by Ministers and their spouses or partners and officials are set out in the Prime Minister's guidance 'Travel by Ministers'. This guidance also identifies the vehicles that can be provided by the Government Car Service.

Developing Countries (Trade)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Department is taking to increase the accessibility of markets in the UK to trade from developing countries.

Ian Pearson: The best opportunity for increasing the accessibility of the EU market to trade with developing countries is a successful and ambitious result from the Doha Development Agenda in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). We are working closely with the European Commission, other member states and other governments to secure this as the WTO Conference in Hong Kong in December draws closer.
	In the past year, we have worked with the Commission to revise the EU's Generalised System of Preferences, which offers preferential access for developing countries to the now even larger European market, and tariff and quota free access for the Least Developed Countries. In addition, negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries are under way and the Government published a position paper on their development objectives for these agreements in March.
	The UK is also supporting capacity building in developing countries in trade policy and negotiations to the tune of £165 million over three years, by supporting organisations such as the Centre for WTO Law and the South Centre.

Diesel

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with EU colleagues on diesel prices.

Malcolm Wicks: There have been no discussions with my counterparts on diesel prices.
	Recent changes in diesel prices reflect increases in the price of crude oil on the global market. This is due to strong oil demand and geopolitical uncertainty in key producing countries.

Electrical Waste

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the costs which may be incurred by local authorities as a result of the change in the timescale for the implementation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Directive Legislation; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have accepted that the deferral of producer responsibility for waste electrical and electronic equipment may have implications for local authorities due to the Landfill Regulations Waste Acceptance Criteria which now apply to waste, including some WEEE products which may be separately collected and hence classified as hazardous and which is then sent to hazardous landfill.
	The Department has undertaken to meet additional costs to local authorities in this context, in relation to any hazardous WEEE in line with the New Burdens principle. The Department is now working to establish the practical arrangements to meet additional costs which local authorities may incur.

Emissions Trading

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effects of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme on the investment intentions of the electricity generating sector; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have commissioned a report on the impact of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme on the electricity generating sector including future investment. The final report will be published in due course.

Emissions Trading

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received regarding the effects of the Emissions Trading Scheme on the investment intentions of the electricity generating sector.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government has received a number of responses from the electricity generating sector to its recent consultation on Phase II of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, many of which covered the impact of the scheme on investment in the sector. The consultation closed on 27 September 2005, a summary of the responses received will be published in due course.

Energy Efficiency/Prices/Promotion Expenditure

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken (a) to improve resource efficiency and (b) to reduce waste and harmful emissions across business sectors, with particular reference to the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste programme.

Malcolm Wicks: The joint DTI /DEFRA Envirowise programme is the main government initiative promoting resource efficiency to business, with an emphasis on prevention (avoidance and minimisation of production of waste) rather than cure (managing existing wastes by recycling, disposal, etc). As such the programme is an important delivery mechanism for our Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) aims and objectives, as set out in the Governments SCP Framework Changing Patterns: the UK Government Framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production".
	The DEFRA Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) programme is providing £50 million over three years to be spent through the Technology Programme. Support is provided through competitions held twice a year for collaborative research and development projects, with support also for Knowledge Transfer Networks. To date there have been two competitions held in November 2004 and April 2005.

Energy Efficiency/Prices/Promotion Expenditure

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken by the Government to help energy-intensive small to medium-sized companies tackle rising energy prices.

Malcolm Wicks: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies are represented by the Energy Intensive Users' Group on the DTI's Gas Prices Working Group, which was set up by the then Secretary of State at the end of last year. This group met monthly in the first half of this year and has agreed an Action List of short to medium term measures, such as maximising gas supplies, improving the functioning of the market, encouraging demand side response and pursuing energy market liberalisation in the European Union.
	In addition, the Department and Energywatch are planning a seminar for SMEs and public sector bodies, focusing on energy prices and best practice in contracting. This will take place in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, on Wednesday 30 November.

Energy Efficiency/Prices/Promotion Expenditure

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money the Government have spent on promoting the use of (a) wind power, (b) solar power, (c) hydro power and (d) nuclear power in each of the last five years.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 25 October 2005
	It has not been possible to collate all public expenditure and other Government support since 1999 for energy technologies in the time available at proportionate cost. However it is possible to detail direct DTI and Research Council expenditure on new and renewables, and nuclear. These are set out in the following tables.
	In addition to this both DEFRA and the Scottish Executive provide funding to the Carbon Trust which conducts research into low carbon energy activities among other activities.
	
		DTI new and renewable energy programme—external spend for each technology area by financial year from 1990–91(rounded to nearest £000)
		
			  Spend 
			 Programme area 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Hydro 138,000 60,000 130,000 200,000 85,000 0 
			 Solar 1,278,000 1,264,000 1,522,000 4,485,000 3,131,000 1,970,340 
			 Tidal 0 27,000 305,000 1,996,000 2,914,000 1,268,530 
			 Wave 11,000 331,000 662,000 748,000 2,104,000 — 
			 Wind 801,000 913,000 1,248,000 1,428,000 1,395,000 1,459,600 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. From 2000–01, figures do not include spend on contracts placed direct by DTI.
	2. For 2004–05, the figure for tidal is a combined spend for the wave and tidal.
	
		Figures for direct Government expenditure (but not including spending by the Research Councils) on nuclear fission -- £
		
			  1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Nuclear 2,500,000 0 2,000,000 2,100,000 2,100,000 2,200,000 
			
			 DTI Capital Grant Programmes  
			 Offshore Wind Capital Grants — — — — 0 15,000,000 
			 Clear Skies Community Renewables — — — 200,000 1,387,000 2,413,000 
			 Major PV Demo Programme — — — 960,000 2,880,000 6,450,000 
		
	
	
		Research council spend -- £
		
			 Programme area 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–4 2004–5 
		
		
			 Solar 1,076,000 1,134,000 1,130,000 1,157,000 1,453,023 1,753,334 
			 Photovoltaic 2,759,517 2,991,977 3,536,428 2,770,354 2,381,044 2,761,866 
			 Wave and tidal 175,000 300,599 605,693 616,694 830,226 1,050,253 
			 Wind 177,716 260,596 330,283 490,447 481,572 255,672 
			 Wind/solar 21,000 100,000 0 0 0 0 
			 Wind/wave 28,000 28,000 28,000 28,000 28,000 28,000 
			 Fission power 61,793 127,562 324,879 307,195 212,239 125,453 
			 Fusion 14,300,000 17,000,000 14,400,000 14,600,000 15,630,000 19,530,000

European Contractors

Ian Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the contractors based in other EU member states that are providing services to his Department.

Ian Pearson: The Department awarded contracts to the following companies based in other EU member states during calendar year 2004.
	Austria—Enconet Gmbh
	Sweden—Eskonsult SE (two contracts jointly with Serco Assurance, part of Serco Group plc)
	Enconet Gmbh (Austria) and Eskonsult SE (Sweden) won a further three contracts, on a joint basis.
	Lithuania—American English School (part of the US State Department)
	Lithuania—Public Services Language Centre (part of University of Helsinki)
	Belgium—Westinghouse Electric (Europe) Company LLC (two contracts)
	Spain—Tecnatom SA (jointly with Serco Assurance, part of Serco Group plc)
	Germany—OSAE Offshore Survey and Engineering GmbH
	Information on other years is available only at disproportionate cost.

Export Credits Guarantee Department

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what amount he is budgeting to cover possible liability for costs (a) for his Department and (b) for those for whom his Department has agreed to pay all or any part of their costs in relation to the action for judicial review brought against his Department by Corner House in respect of Export Credit Guarantee Department forms.

Ian Pearson: As at 30 September 2005, the estimate for the costs of ECGD's external solicitors, costs consultants and counsel in relation to the action for judicial review brought by the Corner House was £70,850, exclusive of VAT. ECGD has not yet reached agreement with the Corner House as to its costs claim, although cost assessment proceedings are continuing. ECGD is thus not in a position to provide a current budget for possible liability for costs in this matter.

Export Licences (Saudi Arabia)

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list recent export licence applications in respect of arms sales to Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Export licence applications are made to the Government in confidence and the information they contain is therefore exempt from disclosure. The Government publishes detailed information on its export licensing decisions, by destination, in its Annual and Quarterly Reports on Strategic Export Controls. The Government's Annual Reports are available from the Libraries of the House, and our Quarterly Reports, from the DTI Export Control Organisation website, www.dti.gov.uk/export.control.

Fire Gas Desulphuration Equipment

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department's methodology for allocating carbon allowances for phase II of the EU emissions trading scheme treats new-build Fire Gas Desulphuration (FGD) equipment on the same basis as other FGD equipment already installed.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 26 October 2005
	The Government are still considering the approach to Phase II of the Emissions Trading Scheme, including the treatment of installations with Flue Gas Desulphurisation equipment and the provision of free allowances for new entrants. No decisions have yet been made.

Firearms

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many dealer-to-dealer licences have been issued to registered firearms dealers since 6 December 1996.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government issued three dealer to dealer (Dealer) Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) to registered firearms dealers between 6 December and 31 December 1996. Information on the number of Dealer OIELs issued for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2003 is available from the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls. Information for the period 1 January 2004 to 30 June 2005 is available from the Government's Quarterly Reports. The Government's Annual Reports are available from the Libraries of the House, and our Quarterly Reports, from the DTI Export Control Organisation website, www.dti.gov.uk/export.control.

Fuel Poverty

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many households there were in each Government office region in each of the last five years; and how many of these were living in fuel poverty in each year.

Malcolm Wicks: Figures for the number of households in fuel poverty in England are produced from analysis of the English House Condition Survey. From 2003, the survey is being carried out on a continuous rolling basis. Prior to 2001, however, this survey was conducted on a five-yearly basis. Hence, the number of households in fuel poverty in each Government office region is not available for all of the last five years. The figures for 2001 and 2003 are available, as detailed in the following table.
	
		Thousand
		
			  2001 2003 
			 Government office region Total number of households Number of fuel poor households Total number of households Number of fuel poor households 
		
		
			 North East 1,036 105 1,092 95 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 2,118 238 2,090 180 
			 North West 2,800 277 2,828 178 
			 East Midlands 1,789 160 1,777 112 
			 West Midlands 2,088 228 2,163 146 
			 South West 2,062 201 2,136 139 
			 East England 2,280 139 2,268 115 
			 South East 3,343 224 3,359 149 
			 London 2,993 148 3,011 108 
			 Total 20,510 1,722 20,724 1,222 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. All statistics in the tables are sourced from the English House Condition Surveys in 2001 and 2003, and therefore the number of households by region will differ slightly from official ODPM estimates.
	2. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Gas Imports

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of gas imported to the UK he estimates will come from Norway in (a) 2010, (b) 2015 and (c) 2020.

Malcolm Wicks: The current UK gas market arrangements are already delivering a number of gas import projects potentially delivering gas from such diverse sources as Norway, the Netherlands, Russia, Algeria, Qatar and other Liquefied Natural Gas exporter countries. By 2010, direct pipelines from Norway might have an import capacity of around 25 per cent. of the current UK peak gas demand. The proportion of future gas imports to the UK from Norway, and any plans to construct further pipeline connections, from Norway or elsewhere, will be matters for market participants to decide subject to necessary regulatory consents.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made, in terms of (a) headcount reductions and (b) cost savings, in achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Alan Johnson: Progress was reported in Budget 2005 and in DTI's 2005 departmental report (Cm 6536). Specifically, the Budget report highlighted that the Department had achieved early delivery against its headcount reduction target, losing 560 posts by the end of 2004–05. The 2005 departmental report contains details of DTI's new ways of working resulting from its efficiency programme and plans for achievement of savings in 2005–06, and reported the early achievement of our target for 85 relocations by 2007–08.
	Further progress will be reported in the autumn performance report (due to be published in December) and at aggregate level in the pre-Budget report.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who in the Department has been made responsible for achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Alan Johnson: As Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, I am responsible for the overall delivery of the Department's efficiency programme.

Home Heating

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the change in home heating costs in each year since 2000–01; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Changes in home heating costs since 2000–01 are shown in the following table:
	
		Average expenditure each week on fuel per consuming household(5)(5508260006) United Kingdom
		
			  Electricity Gas 
			  All households Electric central heating No electric central heating All households Gas central heating No gas central heating Heating oils and other fuels Solid fuel All fuels 
		
		
			 2000–01 6.55 9.33 6.26 6.51 6.80 4.15 14.10 8.31 12.79 
			 2001–02 6.48 9.75 6.18 6.53 6.74 4.57 14.40 10.33 12.81 
			 2002–03 6.47 9.47 6.20 6.56 6.75 4.38 12.74 10.21 12.73 
			 2003–04 6.63 9.30 6.41 6.75 6.94 4.40 13.74 9.38 13.01 
		
	
	(5) Data is based on a survey and therefore sample sizes will vary from year to year, therefore lesser used fuels will have a greater sample error rate. Data shows average expenditure recorded in households consuming the specified fuel.
	(6) Prices are in cash terms, unadjusted for inflation.
	Source:
	ONS Expenditure and Food Survey.

Low Carbon Buildings Programme

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to ensure that funding allocations under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme begin in April 2006.

Malcolm Wicks: Several steps are being taken to ensure that the Programme will begin in April 2006. The detailed shape of the Programme is being developed in light of the recent consultation.
	An OJEU notice was published on 4 October in order to contract a manager for the Programme and an application is being prepared for EU for State Aids clearance. An accreditation scheme is also being developed to run in parallel with the Programme for approval of products and installers.

Low Carbon Buildings Programme

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when grant funding allocations under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme will begin; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 27 October 2005
	The new programme should start in April 2006, subject to EU state aids clearance.

Management Consultancies

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which five management consultancies received the highest value of contracts awarded by his Department in each of the last three years; and what the total value was of the contracts awarded to each.

Alun Michael: The Department awards all contracts in open competition according to the EU Procurement Regulations, based on best value for money. Central records show the following management consultancies as receiving the highest payments for management consultancy services in each of the last three financial years.
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2003–04  
			 Fujitsu Services Ltd. 241,380 
			 KMC International 96,858 
			 Whitehead Mann Group Plc 65,453 
			 KPMG 53,332 
			 Capita Business Services Ltd. 52,553 
			   
			 2004–05  
			 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 575,712 
			 MCI UK Ltd. 300,000 
			 Status Communications Ltd. 218,419 
			 Nicola J. Taylor 65,512 
			 Pacec Ltd. 61,450 
			   
			 2005–06 (to date)  
			 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 234,633 
			 MCI UK Ltd. 150,000 
			 Ernst & Young LLP 104,023 
			 Status Communications Ltd. 93,454 
			 MSD International 41,274

Miners' Compensation

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the efficiency of Capita as the agents for delivery of the compensation for widows and families of deceased miners.

Malcolm Wicks: Capita and the Department have an agreed efficiency improvement programme which is closely and regularly monitored. Improving the efficiency of the claims handling process is a key area for the Department.

Miners' Compensation

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been paid to Vendside employees for attending meetings with his Department since January 1999, in allowances and travel expenses.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 21 October 2005
	The Department has made payments totalling £6,310 to Vendside. This covers the costs of its employees attending operational meetings with the Department to discuss generic claim handling issues on behalf of the UDM. This mirrors the costs paid to the Claimants' Group under the Claims Handling Agreements. Typically, Vendside employees would attend three meetings each year.

Miners' Compensation

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many coal health claims have been mediated by the Law Society since 2003;
	(2)  which cases in relation to which complaints have been made about charging under the coal health claims scheme have been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal by the Law Society; and when each such referral was made.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 28 October 2005
	These are matters for the Law Society. The Department does not hold this information.

Miners' Compensation

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the consequences of Vendside Ltd. dropping beat knee claims for compensation from the Government.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 28 October 2005
	Claimants who had lodged their claims with Vendside Ltd. may still be able to bring their claims if they contact solicitors urgently. It is unclear whether a further Group Litigation Order will be sought in due course but if not, individual claims will need to be brought at common law. The position may become clearer after a hearing on 11 November 2005,

Minimum Wage

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies have been found to be paying their employees below the minimum wage in each year since its introduction; and what penalties were imposed.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	NMW records do not distinguish between employers that are companies, partnerships or sole traders. Details of the number of cases closed where non-compliance is identified are shown in the following table. The actual number of employers is slightly less than the number of cases because in a few instances there can be more than one case for the same employer.
	
		
			  Cases closed where non-compliance was found Enforcement notices issued during the year Penalty notices issued during the year 
		
		
			 1999–2000 1,280 136 1 
			 2000–01 2,119 213 61 
			 2001–02 1,937 61 65 
			 2002–03 1,996 26 6 
			 2003–04 2,211 45 3 
			 2004–05 1,798 62 0 
		
	
	In the vast majority of cases the employer pays any minimum wage arrears without the need for any formal enforcement action. Where arrears are not paid, an enforcement notice will be issued setting out the arrears that are considered to be due. An employer will then have 28 days to lodge an appeal and subsequently have his case heard before an employment tribunal. If the appeal is not upheld or the enforcement notice has not been appealed against, the arrears become due. Where appropriate, a penalty notice can be issued for failure to comply with the enforcement notice.

Minimum Wage

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what mechanisms are in place to monitor whether companies are paying their employees below the minimum wage.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	The Office for National Statistics estimates that the number of jobs paid below the minimum wage was 272,344 in April 2004. However, this estimate is based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings which is not designed to monitor compliance with the minimum wage. The survey cannot separately identify workers such as apprentices, those undergoing training and those workers eligible for the accommodation offset, all of whom may legally be paid less than the minimum wage.
	Arrangements are in place to ensure that those employers most at risk of paying their employees below the minimum wage are considered for NMW enforcement measures. Workers and others may register a complaint that the minimum wage has not been paid with the HMRC NMW Helpline. This will trigger an inquiry into the employer by one of the 16 locally based HMRC NMW enforcement teams. Other employers that are at risk of not complying with the minimum wage legislation are also visited by one of the enforcement teams to check they are compliant. These employers are selected using risk assessment when information from various sources, including from within HMRC and from other Departments, is considered.

Nuclear Power

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings (a) he and (b) his departmental officials have had with (i) the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and (ii) the nuclear industry trades unions in respect of the implications for the implementation of the NDA legacy management strategy of the potential sale of the British Nuclear Group.

Malcolm Wicks: Ministers have not specifically met the NDA or the trade unions to discuss the implications of a potential sale of British Nuclear Group for the implementation of the NDA's legacy management strategy. The possibility of a BNG sale has however arisen, in passing, during discussions that hon. Friend the Minister for Competitiveness has had with the trade unions on another matter. The views of both these stakeholders will be important when Ministers come to consider whether we should approve the proposed sale.
	In preparing advice on the proposed sale of BNG, officials are holding discussions with the NDA, the trade unions and a range of other important stakeholders. Alongside safety and the likely effect on staff, the implications for the implementation of the NDA legacy management strategy will be a key consideration.

Oil

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on purchasing strategies for oil for intensive users of energy.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government are concerned about the impact that high and volatile oil prices are having on UK companies and consumers and is working with the international community to promote greater stability in the global oil market. G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met on the 23 of September 2005 and agreed the key steps that needed to be taken to this effect.
	(see http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/otherhmtsites/g7/news/ communique_280905.cfm).

Redundancies (Staffordshire)

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what large-scale redundancies have occurred in North Staffordshire over the last four years.

Alun Michael: The Government Office for the West Midlands keeps a record of all redundancy announcements of which it becomes aware that involve the loss of at least 50 jobs within its region.
	Since October 2001 the Government Office has recorded 37 such cases in North Staffordshire, which together were expected to involve the loss of almost 9,400 jobs. The largest of these were:
	
		
			 Company Location Date of first redundancy Number of jobs 
		
		
			 Waterford Wedgwood Johnson Brothers Hanley and Tunstall July 2003 1,085 
			 Royal Doulton Burslem January 2005 591 
			 Celastica Kidsgrove November 2002 510 
			 Waterford Wedgwood Stoke-on-Trent December 2002 500 
			 Celastica Kidsgrove December 2001 450 
			 Celastica Kidsgrove September 2004 390 
			 Royal Doulton Baddeley Green February 2002 370 
			 Celastica Kidsgrove September 2003 350 
			 Johnson Matthey Stoke-on-Trent February 2002 341 
			 Celastica Bradwell Wood December 2001 308 
			 Collins & Aikman Automotive Interiors Newcastle-under-Lyme August 2002 290 
			 Michelin Tyre Stoke-on-Trent September 2002 280 
			 Churchill China Stoke-on-Trent July 2003 273 
			 Royal Doulton Burslem October 2001 267 
			 Qualceram Shire Stoke-on-Trent July 2005 220 
			 Vodaphone Stoke-on-Trent April 2005 200 
			 Royal Doulton Longton December 2002 200 
			 Royal Doulton Burslem December 2002 200

Renewable Energy

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure continuity of support and funding for the UK's renewable energy industry.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 21 October 2005
	The Government's main mechanism for supporting the renewable industry is the Renewables Obligation. The RO places an obligation on electricity suppliers to source an increasing proportion of their electricity sales from eligible sources of renewable energy. The RO will run until at least 2027 ensuring continuity of support and funding for the UK's renewable industry.
	The RO is supported by around £500 million of spending between 2002–08 to help develop renewable and low carbon technologies.

Renewable Energy

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grant funding for (a) solar thermal, (b) biomass, (c) solar photovolatics and (d) other renewable energy technologies his Department plans to put in place when the (i) Clear Skies and (ii) solar PV Major Demonstration programme comes to an end.

Malcolm Wicks: Grant funding support for solar thermal, biomass solar photovoltaics and other renewable technologies will continue after Clear Skies and the PV Demonstration programmes under the new Low Carbon Buildings programme. The micro generation strategy will also look to provide wider support by tackling some of the barriers currently hindering market development.

Renewable Energy

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the installation level of solar photovoltaics in the UK was in 2004; and what assessment he has made of the levels on other countries which are signatories to the Kyoto Agreement.

Malcolm Wicks: The installed Photovoltaics generation capacity for the UK for 2004 was 2261 kW. Information on installed capacity in other countries including signatories to the Kyoto Agreement is available on the International Energy Agency (IEA) website www.iea-pvps.org—'Trends in Photovoltaic Applications/Survey Report of Selected DBA Countries'.

Renewable Energy

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to encourage private sector investment in (a) solar thermal, (b) solar photovolatics and (c) other micro-renewable technologies.

Malcolm Wicks: In developing the micro generation strategy due to be published in April 2006, we are considering ways to encourage private sector investment in relation to micro-renewable technologies.

Renewable Energy

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department made of the impact on (a) jobs and (b) investment in micro-renewables of the decision to end the (i) Clear Skies and (ii) Solar PV Major Demonstration programmes prior to the commencement of the Low Carbon Programme.

Malcolm Wicks: The Clear Skies and Solar PV Major Demonstration programmes have contributed to the development of the microgeneration industry in the UK, including an installer base. The Low Carbon Buildings Programme will continue to fund the installation of microgeneration products in household, community and large-scale projects. The microgeneration strategy will look at removing some of the wider barriers currently hindering market development.

Renewable Energy

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when funding allocations under the solar PV Major Demonstration Programme will cease; when allocations under the proposed Low Carbon Buildings Programme will become available; what alternative funding is available in the period between the operation of the two programmes; what estimate he has made of the effects of a break in funding on the investment decisions of the solar PV industry; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Solar PV Major Demonstration Programme is due to end in March 2006 along with the Clear Skies programme (though spending to continue through to March 2007) and they will be replaced by the Low Carbon Buildings Programme which we aim to start in April 2006, subject to state aids clearance. This timing takes account of the need to minimize the break between programmes, which we well recognise.

Secondees

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether secondees to his Department are subject to Civil Service rules; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: Secondments are part of the Interchange Initiative that promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations.
	All secondments into the Department follow the Civil Service Recruitment Code and have standard contractual terms and conditions in place, which are formally agreed with the secondee and their employer. These terms and conditions include clauses on duties and responsibilities during the secondment; the secondee is subject to the working arrangements, policies, procedures, rules and regulations applying to all staff of the Department.
	All secondees into the Department are subject to the Official Secrets Act. They are also required to sign an undertaking that they will not disclose or make use of any information received in confidence during their secondment when they leave DTI.
	Departmental Security Clearance is required for all secondees.

Secondees

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures are in place in his Department to manage conflicts of interests that may arise from secondments from industry to his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: All secondments into DTI have standard contractual terms and conditions in place, which are formally agreed with the secondee and their employer. These terms and conditions include clauses on conflict of interests and guidance on how to avoid potential conflict of interests.
	If either the secondee or the organisation have or have had an interest in the relevant areas relating to the secondment, the Department will determine whether or not it would be appropriate for the secondee to take on the relevant responsibility on behalf of the Department.
	In the event of an actual conflict of interest, the secondment would be terminated. This is in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions for the secondment.

Secondees

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures are in place to ensure suitable supervision of secondees takes place by permanent members of staff with the Department; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: All secondees have a designated DTI line manager during their secondment; permanent members of the Departments' staff or its authorised representatives undertake line management responsibilities.
	All secondments into the Department have standard contractual terms and conditions in place, which are formally agreed with the secondee and their employer. These terms and conditions include clauses on duties and responsibilities during the secondment; the secondee is required to be responsible to and act in accordance with the instructions only of the Department or its authorised representatives, reporting to the secondee's DTI line manager.

Solar Power

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with power companies on the retrofitting of solar power to existing buildings.

Malcolm Wicks: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not discussed with power generation companies retrofitting of solar power to existing buildings.

Sustainable Development

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are planned for new advice for consumers within the framework of the Government's sustainable development strategy.

Malcolm Wicks: 'Securing the Future', the Government's sustainable development strategy, published March 2005, described our intention to develop a new information service provisionally called Environment Direct.
	DEFRA are currently drawing up detailed plans for Environment Direct, but it is likely to be a consumer-focused online service that will give people information about the impacts of different goods and services and how to make the most sustainable consumption choices. We hope to have an initial version of Environment Direct in operation from late 2006.

Sustainable Development

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of progress towards implementation of measures outlined in the last departmental sustainable development action plan; and what progress has been made against each target.

Malcolm Wicks: The DTI was the first Government department to produce its own Sustainable Development Strategy in 2000. The strategy identified where DTI can most make a difference in delivering the Governments Sustainable Development (SD) goals.
	Since 2000 we have focused on the priorities set out in the DTI SD Strategy, for example the Energy White Paper of 2003 set out four new goals for energy policy, including putting the UK on a path to cut carbon dioxide emissions by some 60 per cent. by 2050.
	Other priorities drawn out in the strategy were sustainable consumption and production (SCP), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and greening government. These have been taken forward through a number of initiatives—including publication in 2003 of Changing Patterns—UK Government Framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production" and the new commitments set out in chapter 3 of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy (Securing the Future", of March 2005); the launch of the CSR Academy and the International Strategic Framework on CSR. Work on Greening Government is on-going.
	SD is embedded in the DTI Business Plan, in objectives 4, 7 and 11.
	The strategy is being superseded by the SD Action Plan that is currently being developed.

Sustainable Development

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the next departmental sustainable development action plan.

Malcolm Wicks: The DTIs Sustainable Development Action Plan is currently being developed.
	This is in line with the commitments laid down in Securing the Future; delivering UK sustainable development strategy", of March 2005, that all Government departments and their executive agencies produce focused sustainable development action plans based on the Strategy by December 2005. All Government departments will report against the commitments laid down in their action plans from December 2006.

Trade Policy

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the opportunities during the UK presidency of the European Union to improve the transparency and accountability of trade policy making within Europe; and if he will publish the (a) agenda, (b) attendance and (c) minutes of the meetings of the Article 133 committee.

Ian Pearson: The UK Presidency of the European Union has convened a number of specific meetings of the General Affairs Council and of trade Ministers informally with the express purpose of increasing transparency in the field of trade policy, particularly in relation to the Doha Development Agenda
	The agendas of the Article 133 Committee are available on the website of the Council of the European Union and on the UK Presidency website. However, details of the persons attending meetings of the Article 133 Committee are not published, nor are there formal minutes of the Article 133 Committee.

Trade Policy

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will renegotiate the trade negotiation mandate of the European Commission in its presidency of the European Union; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: The Commission is currently operating under a number of negotiating mandates for various trade dossiers, such as multilateral trade negotiations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). These mandates are set by General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) conclusions. As Presidency, the UK chairs these GAERC meetings. The GAERC on 18 October reaffirmed the Commission's mandate for the current round of WTO negotiations, the Doha Development Agenda (DDA).

UK Trade and Investment Websites

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what cost-benefit analysis was undertaken for the recently launched UK Trade and Investment South West Forum for China Forum website.

Ian Pearson: No cost-benefit analysis was undertaken. The recommendation to develop this website was made by the China/South West England Steering Group, a private/public sector group. The website is a regional resource.
	The website provides businesses in the South West access to information about China-related activities in the region and points businesses to a wide range of other resources that already exist. The aim is to assist companies to take advantage of the opportunities in China.

UK Trade and Investment Websites

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what co-ordination takes place with UK Trade and Investment to ensure that best practice is shared between different regional websites.

Ian Pearson: UK Trade and Investment has in place a number of measures to ensure effective best practice sharing on websites. Our regional teams in England have access to advice and guidance from our HQ marketing and website teams. Specifically we have an online tool for sharing best practice on corporate identity. This contains online branding guidelines as well as signposting to the Government website guidelines best practice.
	UK Trade and Investment's Marketing and Communications team also host six- monthly working group meetings to share best practice. Discussion includes online activities. Furthermore, UK Trade and Investment's regional directors meet monthly, which provides a further opportunity for co-ordination.

Wind Farms

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many net units of electricity were exported to the grid by each operational wind farm in the United Kingdom in each of the last 12 months.

Malcolm Wicks: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	Information we do hold centrally is for electricity on an annual basis and covers the generation of electricity by all wind farms in the United Kingdom. In 2004, 1,736 GWh of electricity were generated by onshore wind farms and 199 GWh by offshore wind farms.

DEFENCE

Armoured Vehicles

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many applique" armour kits to protect the undersides of vehicles his Department has available for (a) Land Rovers, (b) Saxons and (c) Scimitars.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 25 October 2005
	Currently there are no applique" armour kits available to protect the undersides of Land Rover and Saxon vehicles. 84 Scimitars have been fitted with applique" armour and an Invitation to Tender has been issued for a further 100 sets to be manufactured and fitted over the next five years.

Astute Submarine

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the delivery schedule is for the Astute submarine; and what the (a) cost and (b) payment terms per unit are.

Adam Ingram: The contract with BAE Systems is for three Astute class submarines.
	HMS Astute, the first of class is due to enter service in 2009 followed by the second of class, HMS Ambush in 2010 and the third of class, HMS Artful in 2012.
	The estimated cost at 31 March 2005 for the three boats is £3,492 million.
	The current payment arrangements for the contract provide the contractor with reimbursement of its agreed costs in relation to their performance against the contract. To claim profit the contractor is required to achieve agreed milestones.

AWE Aldermaston

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on (a) running costs and (b) capital costs at AWE Aldermaston.

Adam Ingram: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		Atomic weapons establishment annual expenditure as at October 2005 -- £ million, 2005–06 prices
		
			  Running costs Capital costs Total 
		
		
			 2000–01 287 24 311 
			 2001–02 244 47 291 
			 2002–03 230 48 278 
			 2003–04 235 65 300 
			 2004–05 269 94 363

British Strategic Nuclear Deterrent

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the British strategic nuclear deterrent could be (a) targeted and (b) used without United States approval (i) at present and (ii) under plans for a successor system.

John Reid: The United Kingdom's independent nuclear deterrent can be targeted and used without the approval of any other country. No decisions on any replacement for Trident have yet been taken.

British Strategic Nuclear Deterrent

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what stage in the current Parliament he expects to announce (a) whether the strategic nuclear deterrent will be replaced and (b) what type of successor system will be the preferred choice.

John Reid: It is likely that decisions on any replacement for Trident will be required in the current Parliament, but they are still some way off. It is therefore too early to speculate on a more precise decision-making timetable.

Chinooks

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he expects the Chinook Mark 3 helicopter, including the six aircraft delivered to the UK during 2001–02, to enter service before the planned phasing out of the Mark 2 and Mark 2a Chinooks.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence is working towards resolving the problems of the eight Chinook Mk 3s. A study last year recommended a 'Fix to Field' solution as the probable best value for money solution. We are working with Boeing to ensure the proposed solution is mature and robust before taking the final decision on whether to proceed. If we do decide to proceed with the 'Fix to Field' solution I anticipate that the aircraft would be in service well before the Chinook Mk 2/2a fleet reaches its out of service date.

Chinooks

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the airworthiness review of the Chinook HC2 helicopter was conducted; and if he will place a copy of the review in the Library.

Adam Ingram: I refer the it hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 February 2005, Official Report, columns 651–52W.

Combat Vehicles

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) expected withdrawal from service date and (b) possible total life expectancy of the remaining CVR(T) vehicles including the Saxon are; and whether any upgrades of the vehicles are expected.

Adam Ingram: The currently planned out of service dates (OSD) for all CVR(T) variants is 2014. On that basis their total in service life will be 42 years. However, OSDs can be subject to review at any stage, and if it is cost effective to maintain or update this capability the service life of some variants may be extended beyond this point.
	All variants of CVR(T) are currently being upgraded with the Bowman communications and information system and close reconnaissance CVR(T) Scimitar is also receiving the Battlegroup Thermal Imaging system. Parts of the Scimitar fleet already have upgraded protection and there is a funded programme to upgrade the protection of more of the fleet.
	Saxon is not a CVR(T) variant, but its currently planned OSD is also 2014, giving a total in service life of 30 years, although this OSD could also be reviewed. With the exception of modifications for specific operations, no upgrades are currently planned for Saxon.

Cut and Sew Contracts

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits have been made by his Department's personnel to the sub-contractors for the cut and sew contracts in China since the contract was awarded.

Adam Ingram: As part of the cut and sew contract management plan, three visits have been made to sub contractors in China by officials accompanying the prime contractor, at the prime contractor's request.

Cut and Sew Contracts

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many garments in each of the categories of the cut and sew contract were scheduled to be delivered in the first year of the contract; and how many from each category have been delivered.

Adam Ingram: The information requested is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Scheduled for delivery Actually delivered 
		
		
			 Category 1 510,048 462,185 
			 Category 2 27,103 27,103 
			 Category 3 113,211 110,179 
			 Category 4 294,984 302,304 
			 Category 5 43,100 43,100

Death Investigations

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of investigations into the deaths of (a) Captain Ken Masters and (b) Staff Sergeant Denise Rose.

Adam Ingram: Inquiries into the deaths of Captain Masters and Staff Sergeant Rose have not yet been completed. It would be inappropriate to comment further while these inquiries are ongoing.

Defence Contracts

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many defence contracts worth over £10 million his Department has awarded to (a) EU, (b) British and (c) United States firms in each of the last five years.

Adam Ingram: The information is not held in the format requested.

Inoculations

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inoculations are (a) necessary and (b) recommended for armed forces personnel before being deployed to Iraq; what the cost of each inoculation is per person; and what supplies of each inoculation are available to his Department.

Don Touhig: holding answer 25 October 2005
	The tables show the recommended inoculations that armed forces personnel should have as part of their overall recruitment process or routine in-service healthcare. Rabies and Hepatitis B vaccines are offered to personnel who are at occupational risk. Vaccinations are only administered after the individual has given informed consent, therefore, all vaccinations can only be deemed recommended for deployment. The costs of the immunisations have been calculated per person, per dose and include VAT:
	
		Recruit/New service entrant immunisation schedule
		
			   Day   Vaccine   Next Dose Cost per person, per dose (£) including VAT 
		
		
			 1 Meningococcal conjugate C None 1.13 
			 1 Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) None 6.88 
			 1 Low dose diphtheria/ Tetanus/ Inactivated Polio (Td/IPV) 10 yrs 10.90 
			 25 BCG None 6.46 
			 42 Hepatitis A 6–12 months (then 10-yearly) 17.04 
			 42 Typhoid 3 yrs 8.11 
			 42 Yellow fever 10 yrs 20.85 
		
	
	
		
			  Vaccine Booster Interval  Remarks Cost per person, per dose (£) including VAT 
		
		
			 Routine in-service immunisation schedule 
			 Hepatitis A 10 yrs A second dose, which completes the primary immunisation course, is to be given 6–12 months after the first dose or subsequently as the opportunity arises. (See Typhoid remarks) 17.04 
			 Low dose diphtheria/ Tetanus/Inactivated Polio (Td/IPV) 10 yrs — 10.90 
			 Typhoid 3 yrs Where Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are required at the same time, the combined Hepatitis A/Typhoid vaccine is to be used. 8.11 
			 Yellow fever 10 yrs — 20.85 
			 
			 Anthrax voluntary immunisation programme 
			 Anthrax 1 yr (from 6 month booster) 3 Vaccines over a course of 6 weeks, followed by another 6 months after 124 
			 
			 Immunisations for those at special occupational risk 
			 Hepatitis B 5 yrs 1. After the primary course, seroconversion check required for healthcare workers. 2. Single booster dose 5 years after primary course. No further booster required thereafter. 8.00 to be offered to deploying personnel if at occupational risk of contact with human body fluids, e.g. medical and provost personnel 
			 Rabies 2 yrs If still indicated. The Rabies Vaccine cost is based on 3Xpre-exposure vaccines. 70.00 Recommended only for Veterinary staff and all personnel who work regularly with animals 
		
	
	The Ministry of Defence (MOD) holds sufficient doses of Medical Countermeasure products. The MOD buys vaccines against diseases from the commercial sector, on an as required basis, and from the Department of Health through standing agreements and in line with anticipated requirements.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of whether the armour-piercing improvised explosive devices being used against British forces in south-eastern Iraq originated (a) through Hizbullah and (b) in Iran;
	(2)  whether he has received credible evidence of Iranian Revolutionary Guard involvement in the insurgency in south-eastern Iraq.

John Reid: I have nothing more to add to the answer I gave on 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 34, to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Blunt) and on 17 October 2005, Official Report, column 620, to the hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs. Villiers).

Iraq

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the present rules of engagement of UK forces and special forces in Iraq permit forces to operate over the border with Iran.

John Reid: No.

MAN Trucks

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the MAN trucks procured under the latest army truck contract will be suitable for (a) all weather conditions and (b) all geographical regions.

Adam Ingram: The MAN truck contract is for the Support Vehicle fleet. The tracks have been designed to operate across a range of climatic conditions and in various geographic regions. These range from 58oC dry, desert conditions through to temperatures as low as -35oC. Additionally, 420 of the total fleet will be built to a standard so that they are capable of operating in temperatures as low as -56oC.

Nuclear Weapons

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on maintenance of the UK's nuclear weapons in 2004–05.

John Reid: Since the Trident nuclear deterrent became operational in 1994, the annual expenditure for capital and running costs has ranged between 2 and 4 per cent. of the annual defence budget.

Nuclear Weapons

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek to enable (a) debate and (b) votes in the House on allowing British bases to host US nuclear missiles.

John Reid: I am aware of no such proposals.

Oliver Devoti

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary steps have been taken in response to the conviction of Fusilier Oliver Devoti for grievous bodily harm in Belfast on 16 September.

Adam Ingram: It would be inappropriate to comment on the specific case of Fusilier Oliver Devoti as internal procedures are still in train. However, under The Queen's Regulations for the Army (Paragraph 9.404), a soldier will normally be discharged from the Army if he has been sentenced by a civil court to imprisonment.

Trident

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much it cost to store nuclear missiles for the Trident fleet in each of the last 10 years.

John Reid: A shared pool of US/UK missiles is maintained and stored in the United States. Under the Polaris sales agreement (amended for Trident) the United Kingdom contributes to the cost of processing the missiles. This includes a small element in respect of storage costs, which is not separately identified. The costs of the weapons handling and storage facilities of the Royal Navy armament depot, Coulport attributable to Trident are some £2 million per year.

Type 45 Destroyer

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) delivery schedule, (b) cost per vessel unit, (c) cost of weapon systems per unit and (d) payment terms per unit is for the Type 45 destroyer.

Adam Ingram: The first Type 45 is expected to enter service during 2009. Subsequent vessels (of a planned eight ship class) are expected to follow at regular intervals between that point and the middle of the next decade.
	The current estimated unit production cost of each Type 45 is £561.6 million, based on the currently approved programme of six ships. This includes the cost of the principal anti-air missile system (PAAMS), which is the primary weapons system for the Type 45 destroyer. Within the figure of £561.6 million the division between the unit production cost of the vessel and PAAMS is approximately in the proportion of two thirds to one third.
	Payment for both ship and PAAMS is through achievement of contractually agreed programme milestones.

Vanguard

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has commissioned on the upgrading of the Vanguard Class submarine; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: We have not commissioned any research on the upgrading of the Vanguard Class submarine platform.

Warships

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Swan Hunter-built vessel Largs Bay (a) to be completed, (b) to be ready for sea trials and (c) to enter service.

Adam Ingram: It is expected that Largs Bay, first of the two Swan Hunter Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) ships will be completed by March 2006, be ready for sea trials by January 2006 and enter service late in 2006.

TREASURY

Child Benefit

Iris Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have received child benefit in each of the Westminster constituencies in the Province in each of the last three years.

Dawn Primarolo: The number of families in receipt of child benefit and the number of children in these families for whom child benefit was received are shown in the table.
	
		Child benefit recipients and their children in Northern Ireland  -- Thousand
		
			  31 August 2002 31 August 2003 31 August 2004 
			 Westminster parliamentary constituency Number of families Number of children in these families Number of families Number of children in these families Number of families Number of children in these families 
		
		
			 Belfast East 9.2 16.8 9.0 16.4 9.1 16.1 
			 Belfast North 11.6 21.6 11.2 20.9 11.3 20.6 
			 Belfast South 9.2 17.7 9.0 17.3 9.1 17.1 
			 Belfast West 13.7 27.3 13.5 26.5 13.5 25.9 
			 East Antrim 11.2 20.4 11.1 20.2 11.3 20.3 
			 East Londonderry 11.6 22.4 11.3 21.8 11.6 21.8 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 11.4 23.6 10.3 21.1 10.7 21.6 
			 Foyle 16.1 31.9 15.5 30.6 16.1 30.7 
			 Lagan Valley 13.4 25.3 13.3 25.1 13.6 25.3 
			 Mid Ulster 11.8 25.4 11.5 24.7 12.0 24.9 
			 Newry and Armagh 14.0 29.1 13.5 28.1 14.0 28.3 
			 North Antrim 13.3 25.5 13.1 25.2 13.5 25.5 
			 North Down 10.4 18.9 10.2 18.3 10.3 18.4 
			 South Antrim 13.4 25.1 13.4 25.1 13.7 25.3 
			 South Down 14.3 29.6 14.1 29.2 14.7 29.6 
			 Strangford 12.8 23.6 12.6 23.3 12.8 23.4 
			 Upper Bann 14.1 27.4 14.0 27.0 14.4 27.2 
			 West Tyrone 11.9 24.6 11.4 23.5 11.7 23.6 
			 Northern Ireland Unidentified 2.6 n/a 7.8 15.5 3.5 10.1 
		
	
	n/a = not available

Condoms

Edward Davey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to remove the VAT from condoms; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government keep all taxes under review and any changes are announced as part of the normal Budget process. However, under our agreements with our European partners, we are not able to extend our existing VAT zero rates or introduce any new ones.

Condoms

Edward Davey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated revenue was from VAT on condoms in each of the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs does not collect data on VAT from individual goods and services.

Customs and Excise (Northern Ireland)

Peter Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people worked for HM Customs and Excise in Northern Ireland in each year between 1998 and 2004.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Customs and Excise do not maintain a record of the total number of people who worked for the Department during any one year. The full-time equivalent numbers of staff in post in Northern Ireland at 1 April in each of the years requested are:
	
		
			 As at 1 April each year FTE staff in post 
		
		
			 1998 581 
			 1999 560 
			 2000 548 
			 2001 578 
			 2002 574 
			 2003 628 
			 2004 694

Customs and Excise (Northern Ireland)

Peter Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to put in place a permanent dog detector deployment for Customs and Excise in Northern Ireland.

Dawn Primarolo: Throughout the UK, Customs seek to deploy their resources where they will have the greatest impact on international smuggling. Detector dogs are available to support frontier activity in Northern Ireland, but Customs experience so far suggests that the permanent location of detector dogs in Northern Ireland would not be the most effective use of these resources.

Customs and Excise (Northern Ireland)

Peter Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how long each deployment of a detector dog team lasted in Northern Ireland since April 2004; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the deployments.

Dawn Primarolo: Since April 2004, there have been 14 deployments of detector dogs in Northern Ireland, as follows:
	
		
			 Length of deployment, including travelling time (days)  Number of deployments 
		
		
			 2 1 
			 3 1 
			 4 2 
			 5 5 
			 6 3 
			 7 1 
			 15 1

Departmental Energy Consumption

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much energy has been consumed by his Department in each of the last five years; and how much was spent on energy in each year.

John Healey: The information is as follows.
	
		
			  Energy consumption (weather corrected kwh)  Energy spend (£) 
		
		
			 2000–01 10,094,672 674,288 
			 2001–02 10,659,265 654,363 
			 2002–03 15,745,199 786,735 
			 2003–04 12,329,020 589,009 
			 2004–05 12,126,079 799,037

Departmental Policies

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency, the effects in Gateshead, East and Washington, West of changes to his Department's policies since 1997.

John Healey: The Government have put in place a broad programme of both macroeconomic and microeconomic reform since our election in 1997 designed to improve the economic performance of all parts of the UK. Since these policies were implemented, the economic performance of the Gateshead East and Washington West constituency has improved considerably. For example, since May 1997, claimant unemployment in Gateshead, East and Washington, West has fallen by 54 per cent. while both long-term youth and adult unemployment have fallen by over 90 per cent.
	The Neighbourhood Statistics Service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at http://neighbourhood.statistics. gov.uk./

Direct Taxation

Andrew Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of direct taxation was paid by women in the last period for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The information is provided in the table.
	
		
			 Source Percentage of tax paid by women 
		
		
			 Income Tax(7) 26.3 
			 Capital Gains Tax(8) 26.9 
			 Inheritance Tax(9) 60.9 
		
	
	(7) Based on 2002–03 survey of personal incomes (SPI) and projected in line with Budget 2005 assumptions.
	(8) Based on capital gains reported on the 2003–04 self assessment (SA) return.
	(9) Based on a 2001–02 sample of cases where an IHT liability arose on death.

Employees

Denis MacShane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of employees were in the (a) public sector and (b) private sector, on the latest date for which figures are available, broken down by region.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Dennis MacShane, dated 31 October 2005
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about public and private sector employment.
	For countries and regions of the UK, the attached table shows estimates of the percentages of total employment in the public and private sectors. These figures, which cover the twelve months to June 2005, include self-employment in the private sector. They were published, on 28th October in the Public Sector Employment Trends 2005" report which is available from the National Statistics website at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/article.asp?id=1293
	
		Public and private sector employment by region and country of workplace; average of four quarters to June 2005 -- Percentage
		
			  Public Private All in employment 
		
		
			 North East 23.7 76.3 100 
			 North West 21.5 78.5 100 
			 Yorks and Humber 20.3 79.7 100 
			 East Midlands 17.9 82.1 100 
			 West Midlands 19.5 80.5 100 
			 Eastern 18.6 81.4 100 
			 London 19.0 81.0 100 
			 South East 17.6 82.4 100 
			 South West 20.4 79.6 100 
			 England 19.5 80.5 100 
			 Wales 23.3 76.7 100 
			 Scotland 23.8 76.2 100 
			 Great Britain 20.1 79.9 100 
			 Northern Ireland 29.8 70.2 100 
			 United Kingdom 20.3 79.7 100 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The figure for the United Kingdom is derived from estimates in the ONS Public Sector Employment Quarter 2 First Release (published 30 September 2005).
	2. Northern Ireland data are based on information from the Quarterly Employment Survey and relate to the number of public sector jobs not the number of people working in the public sector. Data are expressed as a percentage of the total workplace employment level from the LFS in Northern Ireland. HM forces data are not included.
	3. Figures for the regions and countries within Great Britain have been produced using estimates from the Labour Force Survey. These have been constrained to the total UK public sector employment total so that estimates are in-line with National Accounts definitions of the public sector.
	Sources:
	Labour Force Survey, returns from public sector organisations (ONS) and Quarterly Employment Survey (DETINI).

Enterprise Management Incentives

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to have completed the review of the Enterprise Management Initiative policy; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: An evaluation programme has begun which aims to assess the economic impact and cost effectiveness of the Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) against its stated policy objectives of helping smaller higher risk companies to recruit and retain the people they need to grow and succeed. With share options, the incentive clearly takes time to work because share prices need time to grow to generate gains for employees.
	We are continually analysing EMI information received by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from companies and their representatives. We also commission research from external contractors to gather further EMI evidence as part of the HMRC research programme. National statistics on EMI are annually updated on the HMRC website. Findings of qualitative research that gathered early evidence on the attitudes and experiences of companies using EMI are also available on the HMRC website. Based on these results, a more comprehensive quantitative study of the policy is planned for 2006–07.

Exotic Bird Imports

Iris Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many exotic birds have been imported into Northern Ireland in each of the last two years.

Dawn Primarolo: There have been no imports of exotic birds falling within tariff classification 0106 3200 (Psittaciforms, including parrots, parakeets, macaws and cockatoos) into Northern Ireland ports directly from non-EU countries within the last two years. It is not possible to identify the number of exotic birds imported into Northern Ireland ports indirectly via other UK ports, or from other EU countries.

Fuel Oil Tax (Northern Ireland)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much VAT was collected from the sale of fuel oil in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs do not collect data on VAT for individual goods or services.

Income Tax

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many people paid income tax in the last year for which figures are available; and what proportion claimed tax relief for pension contributions;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the potential savings to the Exchequer of limiting the value of pension contribution tax relief to the basic rate of income tax;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the total value of pension contribution tax relief given to those above (a) median taxable incomes, (b) mean taxable incomes and (c) twice median taxable incomes in the last year for which figures are available.

Ivan Lewis: An estimate for the number of income tax payers and the proportion that claim relief on their contributions to approved pensions schemes is given in the following table.
	
		Number of income tax payers and proportion that claim tax relief on their contributions to approved pension schemes
		
			  2004–05 
		
		
			 Number of individuals that pay income tax (Thousand) 30,100 
			 Proportion that receive tax relief on their pension contributions (Percentage) 45 
		
	
	This distribution is based on the 2002–03 survey of personal incomes projected to 2004–05.
	The estimated yield from restricting income tax relief on employee and self-employed pension contributions to the basic rate is £1.5 billion in 2004–05. The yield from restricting employer contributions is £3 billion. This estimate assumes that the proportion of total employer contributions relating to higher rate taxpayers is the same as that for employees. The estimates take no account of any behavioural effects that are likely to result from such rule changes. Nor do they account for any knock-on implications for the taxation of pension payments should full relief on contributions be withdrawn.
	Estimates of the cost of tax relief on contributions to approved pension schemes are published on the HMRC website:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/pensions/7_9_sep05.pdf
	It is not possible to break these estimates down by taxable income bands.

Inheritance Tax

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of introducing a marginal rate of inheritance tax of 20 per cent. on estates valued above the zero-rate threshold and at less than £500,000; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: It would cost £935 million for the year 2005–06 if inheritance tax were charged at 20 per cent. on the band of value between the threshold and £500,000.

Inheritance Tax

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has commissioned into the effect on inheritance tax avoidance of reducing the rate of the tax; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: As with all taxes, policy on inheritance tax is continuously reviewed as part of the Budget process. Analysing the impact on avoidance of any change to policy is a key element of that process.

Manufacturing Sector

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to provide incentives to the UK manufacturing sector through the tax system.

John Healey: Since 1997, the Government have taken steps to improve the environment for all UK businesses—including manufacturer—by maintaining macroeconomic stability and implementing microeconomic reforms to remove barriers to efficient and flexible markets. The UK now has the lowest rate of corporation tax since its introduction. A number of other measures have also delivered improvements for the manufacturing sector through the tax system. In addition to 40 per cent. first year allowances for investments in plant and machinery by small and medium sized enterprises, the Government has introduced 100 per cent. first year allowances for investments in designated energy-saving plant and machinery. The introduction of R and D tax credits has also already led to claims of over £1.3 billion, delivering important Government support for research and development in innovative UK manufacturers and other firms.

Manufacturing Sector

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to encourage investment in research and development in the manufacturing sector.

John Healey: The Government published a 10-year Science and Innovation Investment Framework in July 2004, which set out our ambition for total public and private investment in R&D to reach 2.5 per cent. of GDP by 2014. Stimulating increased business investment in R&D is crucial to achieving this ambition, including in the manufacturing sector, which accounts for ¾ of all business R&D expenditure in the UK.
	The Government have put in place a range of policies to encourage business investment in R&D, which deal with the full spectrum of business activity, both manufacturing and services, rather than targeting specific industries or sectors. These include:
	The introduction of R&D tax credits which has already led to claims of over £1.3 billion, delivering important Government support for research and development in innovative UK manufacturers and other firms.
	The DTI's Technology Strategy—competitive funding worth £370 million over 2005–08, for business-led collaborative research in key emerging technologies;
	The Small Business Research Initiative—now requiring Government Departments and agencies to place at least 2.5 per cent. of their extra-mural research contracts with SMEs.

Manufacturing Sector

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on financial measures to assist (a) the manufacturing sector and (b) British business.

John Healey: The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, meet regularly to discuss a range of issues including the Government's policies to support manufacturing in particular, and British business more widely.

Marginal Deduction Rates

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 24 October 2005, Official Report, column 79W, on marginal deduction rates, what estimate he has made of the total cost of passported benefits in the latest year for which figures are available; and how many people received them.

Dawn Primarolo: The policy on the provision of passported benefits, the costs of providing them and the number of people benefiting are matters for the individual Government Department, local authority or devolved Administration which provides them. The information is therefore not held by HM Treasury

Pension Funds

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of allowing tax free lump sums to be taken from pension funds on retirement; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: Estimates of the cost of tax relief on approved pension schemes are published on the HMRC website at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/pensions/7_9_ sep05.pdf
	The estimate of the cost of tax relief on lump sum payments from all approved pension schemes is provided in footnote 15 of Table 7.9 .

Research and Development

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much businesses have received under the research and development tax credits scheme in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland in each year since they were introduced.

John Healey: The cost of R&D tax credit support claimed by companies in the UK is given in the table. The information requested is not available for Scotland.
	
		
			  R&D tax credit support claimed (£ million) 
		
		
			 2000–01 (10)— 
			 2001–02 70 
			 2002–03 380 
			 2003–04 560 
			 2004–05 290 
			 2005–06 90 
			 Total 1,380 
		
	
	(10) Negligible
	Note:
	Figures are on a receipts basis and rounded to the nearest £10 million.

Sustainable Development

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department is on target (a) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1 per cent., (b) to recycle or recover 50 to 60 per cent. of waste and (c) to reduce water usage to 7.7 cubic metres per person as set out in the Sustainable Development Report and Action Plan 2005.

John Healey: The Treasury is on target.

Sustainable Development

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer hat plans for energy reduction have been put in place in his Department since the publication of the Sustainable Development Report and Action Plan 2005.

John Healey: Energy reductions have been made following changes to the operation of the lighting systems in 1 Horse Guards road.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures came into effect which allowed tax credit helpline staff to track individual cases in the system.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 14 October 2005
	Helpline staff have access to the entire tax credit computer system, allowing them to view whether a claim has been accepted for payment, the amount of the entitlement and when the next payment is due.
	Notes made on the computer system record contact with claimants, whether in writing, by telephone or in person. These notes provide advisers with a record of the contact history for use when a claimant telephones the Helpline.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of new tax credit (a) claims, (b) renewals and (c) changes of circumstance were processed accurately in (i) 2002–03, (ii) 2003–04, (iii) 2004–05 and (iv) 2005–06 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 11 July 2005, Official Report, column 698W.
	HM Revenue and Customs will report against its target for 2004–05 and 2005–06 to decide the number of tax credit new claims, changes of circumstances and renewals accurately in its annual reports for those years in due course.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a draft of the new Tax Credit Award Notices to be sent out from April 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the reply to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) of 24 October 2005, Official Report, column 53W.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons his estimate of tax credit overpayments in 2003–04 has risen to £2.2 billion; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on the Floor of the House to the hon. Members for St. Albans (Anne Main) and East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) on 13 October 2005, Official Report, column 428.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases tax credit claimants have been incorrectly (a) awarded and (b) paid the severe disability element of working tax credits due to their being in receipt of the higher mobility rather than the higher care rate of disability living allowance.

Dawn Primarolo: This information is not available.
	HMRC carry out compliance checks on all aspects of tax credit claims, including entitlement to the severe disability element.

Tax Credits

Michael Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been overpaid to tax credit recipients in Hemel Hempstead constituency in 2004–05.

Iris Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been overpaid to tax credit recipients (a) in the Strangford constituency and (b) in each Westminster constituency in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Members to my reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mrs. Dorries) on 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 321W. Estimates of numbers and values of overpayments or underpayments for 2004–05 awards at 5 April 2005 will not be available until after family circumstances and incomes for 2004–05 have been finalised.

Tax Credits

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been overpaid to tax credit recipients in the Kettering constituency in each year since tax credits were introduced; and how many tax credit recipients were involved.

Dawn Primarolo: For figures on tax credits that are repayable for recipients in Kettering constituency I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mrs. Dorries) on the 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 322W.
	Estimates for 2003–04 of the numbers of in-work families with tax credits awards are published in Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Finalised Annual Awards 2003–04". This publication and provisional estimates for the number of in-work families with tax credit awards as at selected dates in 2004–05 are available on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-quarterly-stats.htm

Tax Credits

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claimants have made incorrect claims for (a) working tax credits and (b) child tax credits in the Kettering constituency since these tax credits were introduced.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is not available.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the savings that will result from the phasing out of payment of tax credits through employers; and how many people will be affected.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates of the savings and the number of people affected by the phasing out of payment of tax credits via employer can be found in Regulatory Impact Assessment. The abolition of payment of Working Tax Credit via employers". This can be found on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ria/index.htm.

Taxation Levels (Competitiveness)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the level of taxation on the competitiveness of British businesses; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The UK continues to have a relatively lightly taxed economy, with a ratio of tax to GDP that ranks below both the OECD and EU15 averages, including now the lowest rate of corporation tax since its introduction. Furthermore, international studies show that the UK is a good place to do business. A range of factors affect the competitiveness of the business environment, and the Government have introduced a range of measures to enhance the five drivers of productivity and growth, such as the R and D tax credits to encourage innovation. The UK also has an impressive record of macroeconomic stability and resilience over the last decade, and some of the most flexible labour and product markets in the developed world.

Youth Unemployment

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of youth unemployment has been in (a) Tamworth constituency, (b) Staffordshire, (c) the West Midlands and (d) the UK in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 31 October 2005
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about youth unemployment. (22157)
	Table 1, attached, shows the total numbers of unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 who were resident in the Tamworth Parliamentary Constituency, Staffordshire, the West Midlands region and the UK. The table covers the 12 month periods ending in February each year from 1997 to 2004 and the 12 month period ending in March 2005. These estimates, as with any from sample surveys, are subject to sampling variability.
	The Office for National Statistics also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. Table 2, attached, shows the annual average number of ISA claimants, aged 18 to 24, resident in the Tamworth constituency, Staffordshire, the West Midlands region and the UK for 1997 to 2004.
	The data are published on the Office for National Statistics Nomis(r) website: www.nomisweb.co.uk.
	
		Table 1: Number of unemployed, aged 16 to 24, resident in the Tamworth constituency, Staffordshire, West Midlands Government Office Region and UK -- Thousand
		
			 12 months ending Tamworth Staffordshire West Midlands UK 
		
		
			 February: 
			 1997 (11)— 8 68 684 
			 1998 (11)— 7 57 616 
			 1999 1 5 56 583 
			 2000 (11)— 6 51 556 
			 2001 (11)— 5 57 535 
			 2002 (11)— 3 49 525 
			 2003 1 4 57 553 
			 2004 2 6 58 557 
			  
			 March: 
			 2005 1 6 58 559 
		
	
	(11) Disclosive sample size (less than three).
	Note:
	The estimates for local areas are based on very small sample sizes and are subject to a very high degree of sampling variability. Changes from year to year, especially, should be treated with caution.
	Source:
	Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population Survey
	
		Table 2: JSA claimants, aged 18 to 24, resident in the Tamworth constituency, Staffordshire, West Midlands Government Office Region and UK
		
			 Annual averages Tamworth Staffordshire West Midlands UK 
		
		
			 1997 505 3,990 38,235 406,415 
			 1998 430 3,360 32,540 339,000 
			 1999 415 3,080 29,965 294,125 
			 2000 370 2,725 27,490 261,470 
			 2001 325 2,575 25,370 241,220 
			 2002 315 2,470 24,825 242,930 
			 2003 310 2,370 26,265 249,055 
			 2004 290 2,135 25,215 235,910 
		
	
	Note:
	Computerised claims only. Data rounded to nearest 5 for disclosure control.
	Source:
	Jobcentre Plus Administrative system

North Sea Oil Revenues

Ben Wallace: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenues his Department expects to receive from North sea oil for (a) 2005–06 and (b) 2006–07.

John Healey: Based on NAO audited assumptions in 2005 North sea oil and gas production revenues of £7.1 billion were projected for 2005–06 in this year's Budget (see table C8 of the 2005 report). Updated estimates will be included in the next pre-Budget report.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Departmental Consultation

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission if he will list formal consultations being sponsored by the Commission; and what the (a) commencement date and (b) deadline for responses is in each case.

Nick Harvey: The Commission is not sponsoring any formal consultations.

Parliamentary Estate (Motion Sensors)

Norman Baker: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how many lights in (a) offices and (b) public spaces on the parliamentary estate are activated by motion sensors; and how many of these are set to turn on only when activated by motion.

Nick Harvey: The information is as follows:
	(a) No office lights are activated by motion sensors. Experience has shown that the irregular working patterns of Members and staff make the use of motion sensors in office areas impractical.
	(b) In public areas of the Palace some 20 per cent. of corridors and lavatories have motion sensors. They have recently been installed in the underground car park lift lobbies at levels 2–5. The sensors turn off lights when there is no motion for a set period. Elsewhere on the parliamentary estate there are movement sensor controls in the corridors at 7 Millbank and the Norman Shaw Buildings which turn off the lights when there is no movement. 1 Parliament Street and 1 Derby Gate have lighting control systems, which dim the lights in the corridors and common parts.

Parliamentary Information Management System

Caroline Spelman: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission whether the Parliamentary Information Management System search engine is to be made available to the public on the parliamentary internet site.

Nick Harvey: Decisions on whether the Parliamentary Information Management System search engine is to be made available to the public on the parliamentary internet site will be taken in the wider context of the production of the business case for the radical upgrade of the site recommended by the Modernisation Committee in its first Report of Session 2003–04 (HC 368) 'Connecting Parliament with the Public', and subsequently endorsed by the Commission in its reply to the Committee, and by the House on 26 January 2005. That business case is due to be completed by December 2005.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Council Tax Benefit

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to make it easier to claim council tax benefit.

James Plaskitt: We want support to be as automatic as possible for everyone entitled to council tax benefit, but pensioners are our first priority.
	The Pension Service is already telephoning existing customers nationwide who do not appear to be getting council tax benefit and filling in a simple three page claim form on their behalf. All the customer has to do is sign it and send it to their local authority and we have already issued nearly 10,000 (9,957) such forms.
	And, from December the Pension Service will take council tax benefit claims over the phone at the same time as new Pension Credit claims.

Child Support Agency

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency about the Agency's strategic plan.

James Plaskitt: I and Ministerial colleagues regularly meet the Agency's Chief Executive, Stephen Geraghty. And, as my right hon. Friend mentioned in response to an earlier question, Stephen Geraghty is in the process of reporting back on his fundamental review of the Agency's operations and service delivery.

Older Workers

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on discrimination against older workers.

Margaret Hodge: We have received about 20 letters since 1 April 2005 concerning age discrimination against older workers.
	In addition we have participated in several meetings and events, including our recent Pensions Debate, in which older worker issues and the forthcoming age discrimination regulations have been discussed.

Benefit Claimants

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many mentally ill people there are on incapacity benefit; and how many unemployed people there are on jobseeker's allowance;
	(2)  how many people have claimed incapacity benefits on the grounds of poor mental health in each of the last five years.

Anne McGuire: As at September 2005 there were 847,600 people claiming jobseeker's allowance in Great Britain. The most recent available incapacity benefits information is in the table.
	
		Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants with a diagnosis under the 'Mental and Behavioural Disorders' category, Great Britain
		
			 As at February each year Number 
		
		
			 2001 887,000 
			 2002 934,300 
			 2003 979,800 
			 2004 1,020,000 
			 2005 1,043,300 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are shown in thousands and rounded to the nearest hundred. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
	2. 'Claimant' figures include all IB and SDA (including IB credits only cases).
	3. All diagnoses are coded using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, published by the World Health Organisation.
	Source:
	DWP Information Directorate, 5 per cent. samples.

Council Tax

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in Gravesham who have experienced increases in their council taxes since 1977 who are living in poverty.

Stephen Timms: It is not possible to state the number of pensioners in Gravesham whose income is below 60 per cent. of median household income because data is only collected at the regional level.
	There are 3,915 recipients of the guarantee element of pension credit in Gravesham with weekly average award of £40.58, all of whom are entitled to 100 per cent. council tax rebate. Data on council tax rebate recipients are only available at the Government Office Region level.

Customer Management System

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what training needs have been identified for staff in Customer Management System on proposed changes to disability benefits; and what discussions on training have taken place with staff;
	(2)  what the rate was of (a) early retirement and (b) resignation on grounds of stress and ill health in Customer Management System in each of the last two years in each region and country of the UK;
	(3)  how many incidents of violence against staff working in Customer Management System have been reported in each of the last two years in each region and country of the UK expressed as a ratio of whole-time equivalent employees;
	(4)  what percentage of days were lost through sickness absence in Customer Management System in each of the last two years in each region and country of the UK;
	(5)  what the rate of staff turnover in the Customer Management System was in each of the last two years in each region and country of the UK.

Margaret Hodge: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Lesley Strathie to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 31 October 2005
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions concerning the Customer Management System. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Your first question asked what training needs have been identified for staff working on the Customer Management System in relation to proposed changes to disability benefits, and what discussions on such training have taken place with those staff. In common with other policy or process changes, a learning needs analysis will be conducted once the nature of any changes to incapacity benefits has been finalised. This will ensure that any functionality changes to the Customer Management System will be covered by an appropriate learning solution. During the development of the learning solution, the staff who use the System will be consulted to ensure the training modules meet all the learning needs.
	The Customer Management System is one of a number of IT systems Jobcentre Plus uses in the delivery of services to our customers. The system is not used by all of our staff. Whilst we do collect staff information of the type sought in your questions, for example on sickness absence and staff turnover, this information is not collected or kept separately for those of our staff who work with the System and those who do not.
	I hope this is helpful.

Incapacity Benefit

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for reform of incapacity benefit.

Margaret Hodge: We have already published our Principles of Welfare Reform and our strategy for the health and well-being of people of working age, 'Health, Work and Well-Being—caring for our future'.
	A Welfare Reform Green Paper will be published shortly.

Pensions

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish further research on women and pensions.

Stephen Timms: We will be publishing the latest research later this week.

Pensions

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with the Pension Commission on pensions.

Stephen Timms: I have discussions from time to time with the Pensions Commissioners on issues within their remit.
	The Commission is due to publish its final report on 30 November. This will provide an independent view of the long-term pensions challenges posed by increasing longevity and an ageing society.

Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of his Department in relation to public sector pensions reform.

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding the reform of public sector pensions.

Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has no responsibilities in relation to Public Sector Pensions Reform.
	Overall responsibility for Public Sector Pensions lies with HM Treasury, because of the long term funding issues involved. Responsibility for the details of each scheme rests with the relevant public sector employer—for example, the Department for Education and Skills is responsible for the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
	In April, the Prime Minister asked the then Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, supported by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to lead discussions with the public service trade unions on issues affecting the public sector schemes. My right hon. Friend took this responsibility with him when he moved to the Department for Trade and Industry.

Pensions

Barbara Follett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he is planning to have with the Minister for Women about women's pensions.

Stephen Timms: Later this week we will be publishing a report on women and pensions, providing the latest analysis and projections of future pension entitlement for women.
	My right hon. Friend the Minister for Women has been kept informed of the analysis in this report. She will also be joining DWP Ministers at a National Pensions Debate event next week, where we will be discussing these issues with a range of key stakeholders and members of the public.

WALES

Departmental Electricity

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of electricity used by buildings in (a) his Department and (b) its agencies has come from renewable sources in each year since 1997.

Nick Ainger: The Wales Office was established in July 1999. In June 2003 the Wales Office became a separate entity within the Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA). Since 2003–04 at least 10 per cent. of all electricity supplied to the Department of Constitutional Affairs comes from renewable sources. Information for the Wales Office could not be made available except at a disproportionate cost.
	Information for years previous to 2003 is not held.

Departmental Stationery

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what percentage of (a) copying paper and (b) paper for printed publications used by the Department in (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05 was from recycled sources; and how much post-consumer waste this paper contained;
	(2)  what measures he has put in place to ensure that his Department meets the targets set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure that all copying paper bought by the Department is 100 per cent. recycled with a minimum of 75 per cent. post-consumer waste content; and by what date this target is expected to be achieved;
	(3)  what measures he has put in place to ensure that his Department meets the targets set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure that all paper for printed publications bought by the Department is 60 per cent. recycled, of which a minimum is 75 per cent. post-consumer waste; and by what date this target is expected to be achieved.

Nick Ainger: In June 2003, The Wales Office became a separate entity within the Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA).
	Information from 2003–04 is not held by Department.
	For internal printing and copying, 2004–05 figures show that the Department uses a standard paper manufactured from 100 per cent. recycled paper, 13.6 per cent. meeting 75 per cent. post consumer waste specification. 2004–05 figures show that paper for printed publications has minimum 60 per cent. recycled content, 5.2 per cent. of this meets the 75 per cent. post consumer waste specification.
	Procurement ensure that contracts for copy and publication paper are awarded to suppliers who are able to meet the given targets set on 1 November 2003.
	These targets are under review. Findings will be available towards the beginning of financial year 2006–07.

Energy Efficiency

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what targets he has for improving energy efficiency in his Department; and how he intends to achieve these targets.

Nick Ainger: In June 2003 the Wales Office became a separate entity within the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). The DCA has a commitment to source at least 10 per cent. electricity from renewable sources by 31 March 2008. This has been achieved for the last two years.
	The Wales Office shares the DCA targets for improving energy efficiency, which can be found on the following link
	http://www.dca.gov.uk/dept/sustaindev/sustaindev.htm#part5

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Big Lottery Fund (Hemel Hempstead)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list projects from the Hemel Hempstead constituency area that were unsuccessful in applications for grants from the Big Lottery Fund in the last two years; and for what reason each application was refused.

Richard Caborn: I have been given the information shown in the following table by the Big Lottery Fund:
	
		
			 Applicant name Project name Reason for rejection 
		
		
			 Unnamed individual Heroes Return Big Lottery Fund working with the Confederation of British Service and Ex-Service Organisations (COBSEO) decided that, based on the details supplied, the applicant did not fit the agreed criteria of the scheme. 
			 Leverstock Green Village Association To build a secure play area for children (1) From the information provided Big Lottery Fund determined the project was not well costed. The Fund does not make grants to projects unless the project budget is accurate and represents good value for money. (2) The options appraisal supplied required more evidence. 
			 South Hill Centre To provide a building for the permanent facilities The options appraisal supplied required more evidence.

Departmental Energy Consumption

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much energy has been consumed by her Department in each of the last five years; and how much was spent on energy in each year.

David Lammy: The Department's energy consumption and expenditure are shown in the following table. Data on fuel consumption for the years prior to 2004–05 are not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Data on fuel costs for the years prior to 2004–05 are, in some cases, based on estimated meter readings.
	Although, for the reasons stated, data on energy costs for 2004–05 are not strictly comparable with those for previous years the downward trend in energy costs reflects the Department's decisions to review its fuel-purchasing policies and to implement the recommendations of a DEFRA-sponsored energy audit.
	
		
			 Financial year Consumption, KWH £ inc VAT 
		
		
			 Gas   
			 2000–01 n/a 58,532 
			 2001–02 n/a 58,784 
			 2002–03 n/a 59,503 
			 2003–04 n/a 52,015 
			 2004–05 2,643,861 45,022 
			
			 Electricity   
			 2000–01 n/a 283,931 
			 2001–02 n/a 273,750 
			 2002–03 n/a 276,019 
			 2003–04 n/a 253,616 
			 2004–05 4175,443 224,929

Departmental Rebranding

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent on rebranding her Department and related agencies since 2003–04.

David Lammy: The Department has had a zero spend on rebranding since 2003–04. Information on rebranding spend by related agencies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many consultants for which her Department is responsible employed in (a) museums, (b) historic palaces, (c) parks, (d) galleries and (e) heritage sites have become permanent members of staff following the end of their contract in each of the past five years.

David Lammy: DCMS does not hold such information. Recruitment is an individual matter for the sectors mentioned and not the responsibility of the Department. No consultants have been employed after expiry of their contracts as permanent members of DCMS staff from the areas mentioned.

Digital Television

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the (a) maximum, (b) minimum and (c) average cost per household of switching to digital television.

James Purnell: Digital terrestrial set-top boxes are available for less than £40. Detailed estimates of the range of consumer costs per household were set out in the Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment: the timing of digital switchover. This was published on 16 September 2005 and copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses this week.

Digital Television

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent on advertising and promotion of the switch from analogue to digital services in each of the last five years for which records are available.

James Purnell: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport spent nothing until financial year 2004–05 when £170,000 was spent on promotion. In 2005–06 the total budget will be £320,000.

Licensing Act

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimates her Department has made of the number of licensed premises in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Cardiff whose applications will not have been processed by 24 November; and if she will make a statement.

James Purnell: Information on the number of applications that have been made by licensees for converting their existing licence or for new licences is not held centrally but can be obtained from local authority licensing departments. From our latest survey of a sample of licensing authorities we estimate that 98 per cent. of all premises that will need to be licensed under the 2003 Act have made an application. We believe that, by 24 November, only 1 or 2 per cent. of premises who want a licence will not have applied in time for the new regime coming in effect, and this will include many who do not need a licence such as takeaways that do not open after 11.30 or operators whose activities are seasonal and who will not, therefore, require a licence in November.

Licensing Act

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance she has issued to local authorities on dealing with applications for premises licences for open arenas.

James Purnell: holding answer 25 October 2005
	Guidance to licensing authorities on how to carry out their licensing functions is issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. Paragraphs 5.127 to 5.129 and 7.74 to 7.78 of the guidance are particularly relevant to large scale temporary events requiring premises licences, major art and pop festivals, carnivals, fairs and circuses, many of which take place in open arenas. The guidance also refers to guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive and other bodies covering risk assessment, the safe management of crowds, event safety, and related issues. My officials also have regular discussions with LACORS (Local Authorities Coordinators or Regulatory Services) about specific licensing issues, including some that are relevant to open arenas such as requirements for plans. LACORS gives advice and disseminates information to licensing authorities as a result of those discussions.

Licensing Act

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on whether councils may publicise licensing applications made under the Licensing Act 2003 to the general public; and if she will make a statement.

James Purnell: The advertising of applications for licences under the Licensing Act 2003 is not a matter of guidance but a matter of primary and secondary legislation. Under the Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and club premises certificates) Regulations 2005 (2005 No. 42) applicants are required to display prominently at their premises for 28 days a notice about the application where it can be conveniently read from the exterior of the premises. They must also publish a notice in a local newspaper, or if there is none, in a local newsletter, circular or similar document circulating in the vicinity of the premises on at least one occasion during the period of ten working days following the giving of the application to the relevant licensing authority.
	The 2003 Act also requires that licensing authorities must place details of applications on its licensing register which must be available and accessible to the public. There is nothing in the 2003 Act which prevents licensing authorities themselves from taking supplementary action to bring applications to the attention of individuals living in the vicinity of the premises concerned if they consider it necessary, but this is a matter for them to decide in the light of local circumstances.
	We are committed to monitoring closely how the new regime operates in practice and this will include looking at evidence about the effectiveness of requirements such as those on the advertising of applications. Where the evidence suggests that elements of the system could be more effective, we will consider revisions to the guidance or, if necessary, asking Parliament to amend the legislation.

Licensing Act

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she plans to use statistics on incidents on or in the vicinity of licensed premises that result in (a) crimes or violence reported to the police, (b) ambulance call outs and (c) accident and emergency department attendances in her assessment of the impact of the Licensing Act 2003; and if she will make a statement.

James Purnell: holding answer 24 October 2005
	A number of measures are being drawn upon to assess the impact of the Licensing Act on levels of crime and disorder in England and Wales.
	These include the use of national surveys including (but not limited to) data on alcohol related crime from the British Crime Survey. These national measures will be supplemented by local area case studies in five police force areas in England. These local case studies will look at patterns of recorded crime and disorder in relation to licensed premises and extended hours. This work will also include surveys of local residents and a range of businesses, including licensees, that may potentially be affected. The work will establish a baseline against which any change can subsequently be measured.
	It is intended to supplement this exercise in the five areas with information from ambulance call-out statistics and accident and emergency departments, and the Home Office are currently engaged in discussion with the Department of Health on the feasibility of this issue. The Home Office are leading on this work, in consultation with other Government Departments including the Departments of Health, and Culture Media and Sport.

London Olympics

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many compulsory purchase orders the Government expects to make for land to be used for the 2012 Olympic Games sites.

Richard Caborn: The Government expect that two compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) will be made. A CPO for the undergrounding of the powerlines going across the Olympic site has already been made (10 October 2005) and the London Development Agency (IDA) intends to make a further CPO for the acquisition of land for the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley, Olympic Park and legacy developments.

London Olympics

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she plans to publish the funding plan for the Olympics agreed by the Government, the Lottery regulator and the Lottery operator.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 27 October 2005
	We made our plans clear in our response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, A London Olympic Bid for 2012" published in June 2003 (HC 268). They provide for up to £1.5 billion of lottery funds for the London Olympics.

Media Relations

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the Department has spent on external media relations in each month of the last year.

David Lammy: The information is as follows.
	October 2004 to October 2005:
	£17,000 a month for each month except June and July 2005 when the spend was £29,000 a month.

Ofcom (Employee Salaries)

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many employees of Ofcom earn £100,000 or more a year; and what the job title is of each.

James Purnell: Ofcom is the independent regulator for the communications sector, deriving its main powers and duties directly from statute rather than by delegation from the Secretary of State, and accountable to Parliament in its own right. All disclosed remuneration information is contained in Ofcom's Annual Report and Accounts, published in July 2005. Copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.

Premier League (TV Rights)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions her Department has had since May with the European Commission on deciding the structure of Premier League television broadcasting rights from season 2007–08 onwards.

Richard Caborn: Ministers and officials from this Department are in contact with the European Commission and will continue to remain so in order to facilitate an agreement which is good for football, good for the fans and in the public interest.
	However, as with all competition matters, these issues are for the independent regulatory authorities and the Government have made clear that this is a competition issue in which the Government have no locus to intervene.

Public Art

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the effect on local communities of art displayed in public places.

David Lammy: The display of public art can play a vital role in urban and rural regeneration helping to foster a sense of local identity and pride, to encourage community collaboration and cohesion, as well as to enhance the physical environment and make places into arts destinations in their own right.
	High quality public art brings great benefits, including a sense of place to public spaces, especially in new or regenerated areas. Landmark new public art can be controversial, but given time, as numerous examples demonstrate, it often becomes much loved.

Royal Mail (Rosewall Sculpture)

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on Royal Mail's planned auction of the Rosewall Sculpture.

David Lammy: Barbara Hepworth is one of the 20th century's most important sculptors and this is a significant work by her. I believe that public art makes a major contribution to the enrichment of a town often attracting visitors and engendering a sense of pride among local residents.
	I understand that this local landmark is considered to be a significant part of Chesterfield's cultural and social heritage and I am aware that the Royal Mail is reconsidering whether an auction is the most appropriate course of action.

Royal Mail (Rosewall Sculpture)

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussion she has had with the chairman of the Royal Mail Group plc regarding the auction of the Rosewall Sculpture.

David Lammy: My Department has had no discussions with the chairman regarding the auction of the Rosewall Sculpture.

Royal Mail (Rosewall Sculpture)

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution of the public display of the Rosewall Sculpture in Chesterfield toward meeting her Department's aim to improve the quality of life for all through cultural activities.

David Lammy: My Department has made no specific assessment of the impact of the Rosewall Sculpture on the local area.

Royal Mail (Rosewall Sculpture)

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will take steps to prevent Royal Mail's sale of the Rosewall Sculpture and its permanent departure from Chesterfield.

David Lammy: I am aware that the Royal Mail has reconsidered its decision to auction the piece. I understand that Chesterfield borough council is now looking at ways in which it can ensure that the sculpture remains in the town and has been in contact with the Heritage Lottery Fund to discuss funding.

Special Olympic Movement

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance her Department gives to the Special Olympic Movement.

Richard Caborn: At present, Special Olympics Great Britain does not receive direct assistance from DCMS nor the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS). However, we are exploring ways in which mainstream disability sport and Mencap Sport (a key partner of EFDS which does receive Exchequer funding through Sport England) can work more closely with the movement.
	DCMS has a PSA target of increasing the take-up of sporting opportunities by people aged 16 and above from priority groups by 3 per cent. by 2008. These priority groups include people with a physical or mental disability.

Supermarket Licences

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many 24-hour licences have been (a) granted and (b) refused to supermarkets since implementation of the Licensing Act 2003.

James Purnell: Such information is not held centrally. Licensing authorities are responsible for administering and enforcing the new licensing regime. Information on licences and applications in each area should be available from them individually.

Sustainable Development

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what account of sustainable development her Department requires to be taken by its (a) executive agencies, (b) advisory non-departmental bodies, (c) executive non-departmental bodies, (d) tribunals, (e) public corporations and (f) other bodies.

James Purnell: The Department's Sustainable Development Strategy was published in February 2004. This includes the Sustainable Development Policy Statement, which applies to all parts of the Department, its functions, management and staff and is commended to DCMS agencies and Non-Departmental Bodies, as a basis for developing similar statements of their own. Copies of the strategy are available from the Library of the House.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Asian Earthquake

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to help UK citizens find out whether family members resident in Pakistan, India or Afghanistan have been affected by the recent earthquake in the region.

Kim Howells: Since the devastating earthquake in Pakistan on 8 October the Government have taken a number of measures to assist British nationals trying to find information on their relatives' whereabouts. A 24-hour helpline was set up at the British High Commission in Islamabad, a reception desk was set up at Islamabad airport, staffed for all incoming international flights until 17 October, and a consular team was dispatched to Muzaffarabad on 9 October to liaise with British nationals and local authorities in the worst affected areas. A consular presence was maintained in Muzaffarabad until 15 October. Since then our Honorary Consul, resident at Mirpur, together with consular staff at the British High Commission in Islamabad continue to pursue any missing person cases with local authorities.

Burma

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he supports the findings of the recent Havel report proposing United Nations Security Council intervention in Burma.

Douglas Alexander: We have studied the report entitled Threat to the Peace: A Call for the UN Security Council to Act in Burma", commissioned by Vaclav Havel and Desmond Tutu. We fully support any action in the UN Security Council which would help promote reform and positive change in Burma.
	We agree that the UN has a vital role to play in Burma. We strongly support the UN Secretary General's efforts to promote national reconciliation in Burma; as well as the work of the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Professor Sergio Pinheiro, and the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to Burma, Tan Sri Razali.

Burma

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Burma;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to encourage the restoration of democracy in Burma.

Douglas Alexander: We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Burma. Serious abuses of human rights continue, particularly in areas where there is still armed conflict. The humanitarian situation is grave. Only a genuinely inclusive process of national reconciliation can solve Burma's many problems.
	The EU Troika, including the United Kingdom, expressed concern over the situation in Burma to the Burmese Foreign Minister, Nyan Win, in Kyoto on 6 May as did our ambassador and other EU ambassadors in Rangoon, on 22 August. Most recently, our ambassador in Rangoon raised our concerns with the Burmese Home Minister, Maung Oo, on 26 October. We continue to believe that it is essential for the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to enter into a genuine constructive dialogue with all legitimate representative bodies including Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, and the ethnic groups to promote a peaceful, lasting and democratic outcome.
	We fully support the efforts of UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Professor Sergio Pinheiro, and the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to Burma, Tan Sri Razali Ismail, whom we urge the SPDC to allow to return to Burma.
	We remain willing to support a genuine process of national reconciliation, leading to the restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights in Burma and we will respond positively to tangible progress.

Colombia

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from the Colombian Government on the case of the three IRA members who were convicted of terrorist offences in Colombia and who have fled the country.

Douglas Alexander: We have received no recent representations from the Colombian Government over this issue.

EU China Human Rights Dialogue

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made at the EU China Human Rights Dialogue meeting held in Beijing on 24 October.

Ian Pearson: The priority topic of this dialogue was freedom of religion but the EU delegation raised a number of human rights concerns on aspects of rule of law and co-operation with UN human rights mechanisms. There was a field trip to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region which finished on 27 October.

Iraq

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the European Commission regarding Iraq.

Kim Howells: The most recent discussion my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had with the Commission on Iraq was with Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner during the signing of the EU-Iraq Joint Political Declaration on 21 September in New York.
	Government officials have also kept in regular contact with their Commission counterparts both in Brussels and on the ground in Iraq, most recently by the 24–26 October EU Political Directors Troika visit to take forward the EU-Iraq political dialogue.

Madrasses

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government provide funding for (a) the establishment of and (b) attendance at Madrasses in Moslem countries.

Kim Howells: The Government do not provide funding for these purposes.

Mujahadin-e-Khalk

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to (a) the US and (b) the EU to remove the Mujahadin-e-Khalk (PMOI) from its list of debarred organisations.

Kim Howells: We have no such plans. The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MeK) is proscribed in the UK under the Terrorism Act 2000. It has a long history of involvement in terrorism in Iran and elsewhere and is, by its own admission, responsible for violent attacks that have resulted in many deaths. The MeK is listed in the US as a foreign terrorist organisation, and it is on the EU's asset freeze list. We welcome this.

Nepal

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has been informed of potential (a) curtailment and (b) disruption of BBC World Service broadcasts in Nepali language being planned by the government of Nepal; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The BBC World Service leases a frequency on the FM waveband from the state-owned Radio Nepal. This is for the English language BBC World Service but also includes a daily Nepali language news programme. A number of independent Nepali FM radio stations also re-transmit this news programme as part of their output.
	Following King Gyanendra's takeover of power on 1 February, a State of Emergency was declared under which a number of restrictive measures were introduced. As part of these measures, the Nepali authorities jammed the BBC Nepali language news programme and part of the English language news bulletins. They also ordered independent Nepali FM radio stations to stop broadcasting all news programmes. Some of these stations resumed news broadcasting after obtaining a favourable Supreme Court order on 10 August but the Nepali Government reinforced the news ban with a new Media Ordinance promulgated on 9 October.
	The Nepali authorities have not interfered with the BBC Nepali service which is broadcast on the shortwave band.
	The UK is deeply concerned about the restrictions imposed by the Government of Nepal on the media. We believe that these restrictions, including the new Media Ordinance, infringe unacceptably upon freedom of expression.
	The British Government and the BBC have formally requested the Government of Nepal to allow the BBC to broadcast unhindered. The British Ambassador in Kathmandu has also raised our concerns about media censorship directly with the King, in the context of our wider concerns about the erosion of democratic processes, institutions and civil liberties.

Non-proliferation

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures the United Kingdom plans to propose within the context of the European Union against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction during the UK's presidency of the European Union.

Jack Straw: In line with our over-arching presidency objectives, our focus has been on running an efficient presidency and increasing the effectiveness of EU efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation. The EU has played a prominent and constructive role in the UN General Assembly First Committee, the Nuclear Suppliers Group Consultative Committee and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Plenary meeting among others. We have initiated and led an internal debate to prepare EU ideas to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at its review conference in 2006.
	The EU has provided further financial support to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (POCW) and hopes to agree similar support by the end of our presidency to assist the effective implementation of the BTWC. We are drawing up plans with the Council Secretariat and Commission for work with a wide range of third countries to enhance export control measures. We are also working with the Council Secretariat, Commission and member states to revise the list of priorities for implementation of the EU WMD strategy ahead of the European Council in December.

Non-proliferation

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is his Department's policy that there should be a specific budget line on non-proliferation and disarmament in the next European Union Financial Perspective for 2007 to 2013.

Jack Straw: There already is a budget line for non-proliferation activities within the group of budget lines for common foreign and security policy (CFSP) activities. Our view is that this budget line should remain, within the CFSP envelope, in the next financial perspective. We do not think, however, that it would be appropriate to have one budget line or instrument covering both Commission and CFSP activity in this area as each requires a separate legal base. Activity such as nuclear safety is carried out under the euratom treaty. CFSP activities, such as non-proliferation and small arms and light weapons projects with third countries, are carried out on the basis of title V, treaty on European Union i.e. on the decision of all member states in the CFSP framework.

Non-proliferation

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to ensure that the European Commission continues to meet all its obligations under the Global Partnership in relation to nuclear non-proliferation in the next European Union Financial Perspective 2007 to 2013.

Jack Straw: We are working with partners on plans for the EU's next Financial Perspective (2007–13). These include increasing the effectiveness of the global security agenda and the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) budget. The proposed nuclear safety instrument would provide a specific basis for funding activities that fall under the Commission's competence on the basis of the euratom treaty. The CFSP budget will remain as the basis for member states' activity through CFSP. We are arguing for an increase in the latter, within an overall budget of no more than 1 per cent. of EU gross national income.
	We have also co-sponsored with the Commission an EU pilot project on weapons of mass destruction. The recommendations will identify priorities for community funding of non-proliferation projects. This will inform EU thinking on how best to spend the increase in funding needed to meet the European Commission's 2002 pledge to contribute €1 billion over 10 years to the global partnership.

Prince of Wales (United States Visit)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the estimated costs of the Prince of Wales's next visit to the United States is expected to be met from public funds, other than those provided for in the civil list; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: holding answer 28 October 2005
	Travel costs, including reconnaissance costs, are expected to amount to around £330,000 and will be met from the Royal Households Official Travel Grant-in-Aid. Approximately 40 per cent. of the other costs are expected to be met by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from public funds, with the balance of 60 per cent. being met by charitable organisations related to The Prince of Wales, or by The Prince of Wales personally.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister plans to attend the launch of the Pilot Project Study on Weapons of Mass Destruction produced by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute to be held in the European Parliament on 8 December.

Jack Straw: We are considering who should attend for the Government.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

Residential Housing

Kate Hoey: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners how many residential housing units, excluding those used by the clergy for homes, the Commissioners own, broken down by (a) area and (b) estate; how many were owned in 2002; and how many are not let on fair rent tenancies.

Stuart Bell: At the end of 2004 the Commissioners owned 4,244 residential units comprising 1,809 units on the Hyde Park Estate, 845 residential units within the rural portfolio, 1,590 units in the Octavia Hill Estates, and other residential holdings.
	The rural properties are spread throughout England and the Commissioners' 46 estates. The Hyde Park Estate units are all in central London. The current number of units on the Octavia Hill Estates, all located in London is: Vauxhall (230), Walworth (618), Waterloo (159), Winchester Park (93), Pimlico (32). The other residential holdings, located predominantly in London and the South East, account for a further 130 units. The Commissioners also own a small number of residential units in their Bishoprics portfolio, which are ancillary to the See Houses and are directly let.
	In 2002 the Commissioners owned 4,551 residential units.
	At the end of 2004, 82.4 per cent. of the Commissioners' residential units were not fair-rented tenancies.

Residential Housing

Kate Hoey: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners how many residential housing units the Commissioners have sold in the last five years; and how many units are being offered for sale, broken down by location.

Stuart Bell: The Commissioners completed the sale of 460 units on the Octavia Hill estates earlier this year: 135 in Waterloo (north of The Cut), 236 in Maida Vale and 89 in Stoke Newington. 238 units have been sold on the Hyde Park estate over the last five years.
	A further 72 residential properties have been sold from the rural portfolio since the beginning of 2001, and 16 are currently either being marketed or are under-offer.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Automated Signing Machines

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether (a) he or (b) any other Minister in his Department uses (i) an automated signing machine and (ii) a stamp for ministerial correspondence purposes.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Guidance on handling ministerial correspondence is set out in 'Handling Correspondence from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs and Members of Devolved Assemblies: Guidance for Departments' copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

British Standard 6399/2

Christopher Chope: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the regulatory impact assessment of the proposed British Standard 6399/2 about wind loads.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 28 October 2005
	British standards are published by the British Standards Institute which is independent of Government and, therefore, no regulatory impact assessment has been carried out.

Census

Grant Shapps: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what census data calculation of the 2006–07 local government formula spending shares will be based.

Phil Woolas: Options to use 2001 census data were part of the wider formula grant distribution consultation that concluded on the 10 October 2005. Ministers are now considering the options to change the method of formula grant distribution for 2006–07 taking into account representations received.
	Decisions will be announced when the provisional settlement is laid in Parliament later this year.

Community Land Trusts

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role of community land trusts and their relationship to rural settlements.

Yvette Cooper: The Government are always interested in new initiatives, if they can help meet our objectives of delivering affordable housing and engaging communities. This applies equally in urban and rural areas. English Partnerships is assessing the case for a pilot community land trust on public sector land at Cashes Green in his constituency.
	Rural settlements face a range of complex issues, including the provision of sufficient affordable housing. The Affordable Rural Housing Commission is currently gathering evidence on many of the housing issues affecting rural settlements. It aims to take a broad look at the issues with an open mind and provide practical solutions, taking account of existing good practice.

Council Tax

Michael Penning: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations from pensioner groups he has received in the last 12 months on council tax; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has identified eight written representations from groups exclusively representing pensioners on council tax in the last 12 months. Issues raised include the effect of council tax bills on pensioners on low and fixed incomes; council tax benefit; and reform of the local government finance system.
	We recognise the concerns expressed in these representations and many other letters from individual pensioners. Sir Michael Lyons is considering such issues in his inquiry into the funding of local government within the context of its wider functions and future role. We look forward to receiving Sir Michael Lyons' recommendations at the end of 2006.

Council Tax

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the single person's reduction in council tax will apply to the Olympics precept.

Phil Woolas: Where a taxpayer qualifies for a single person's discount this is applied to the whole council tax bill.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  whether a Class G exemption applies when a planning restriction prevents occupancy; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the current eligibility criteria are for a Class G council tax exemption.

Phil Woolas: The Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992 (SI 1992/558) provides, under Class G, that an unoccupied dwelling the occupation of which is prohibited by law, or which is kept unoccupied by reason of action taken under powers conferred by or under any Act of Parliament, with a view to prohibiting its occupation or to acquiring it, is an exempt dwelling for the purposes of section 4 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 on a particular day if on that day it falls within that class.
	Whether a Class G exemption applies where a planning restriction prevents occupancy has been open to different interpretations. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will therefore consult shortly on a proposed amendment to the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order which would clarify that dwellings are exempt in these circumstances.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether personal representatives of deceased council tax payers can be penalised for (a) non-completion and (b) non-payment of council tax returns by the deceased in the financial year before the death.

Phil Woolas: Regulation 58 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations (SI 1992/613) provides that in respect of any outstanding balances of council tax or relevant costs due at the date of death, or of any sum which would, but for the person's death, become payable after the date of death, the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate will be liable to pay the sum in question to the billing authority, and may deduct out of the assets and effects of the deceased's estate any payments made or to be made.

Departmental Policies

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency, the effects in Gatehead, East and Washington, West of changes to his Department's policies since 1997.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Along with other Government Departments, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to improving the lives of people across the whole of the UK. For example, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is determined that everyone should have the opportunity to have a decent home, and since 1997 we have reduced the number of non-decent homes nationally by one million.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister provides grant funding that benefits the Gateshead East, and Washington, West constituency through a number of programmes.
	For example, over the period 2001–06 Gateshead has received £19.7 million of neighbourhood renewal fund (NRF) resources to help the local authority, in collaboration with the local strategic partnership, improve services in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the area.
	Gateshead will get the safer and stronger communities fund cleaner safer greener element worth £2.1 million over the next two years (2006–07 and 2007–08). It will also get the neighbourhood element worth £1.6 million.
	More broadly, since 1997 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has been able to increase the total amount of Government grant given to local authorities by £22.6 billion. This is a 33 per cent. increase in real terms. Gateshead local authority has received an average annual increase in formula grant since 1997 of 4.2 per cent.
	The neighbourhood statistics service provides a wide range of statistical information at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 2001 census and other sources. This service is available on the National Statistics website at
	http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk

Design for Manufacture Competition

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister who will determine the final sale prices for the homes constructed in the Design for Manufacture competition.

Yvette Cooper: The Design for Manufacture competition is being run by English Partnerships on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. English Partnerships is currently evaluating bids from developers for Stage 3 of the Competition. Final development proposals and planning applications for each site will determine the mix of housing types, sale prices and community facilities.
	Final sales prices will be determined by the developers on a site-by-site basis to accord with local supply and demand. English Partnerships and the ODPM will not determine the sales prices. It is anticipated that there will be a mix of tenure on each site, with some homes being available under shared equity for first time buyers.

Directly-elected Mayors

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government has to promote the adoption of directly-elected mayors; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Currently, whether a mayoral form of governance is adopted by a local authority is a matter of local choice. The vibrant local leadership discussion document covered the issue of directly-elected mayors and consideration will be given to any responses to that document in due course.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Gregory Barker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  when he plans to announce the findings of the review into the disabled facilities grant; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many representations he has had supporting the abolition of the means-tested element of the disabled facilities grant; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 28 October 2005
	I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made on 27 October 2005 about the review of disabled facilities grant, Official Report, column 14WS.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made, in terms of (a) headcount reductions and (b) cost savings, in achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Progress on both headcount reductions in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Central), Government Offices for the Regions and ODPM's executive agencies and on cost savings was reported in the ODPM Departmental Annual Report, 2004. Further progress will be reported in the Autumn Performance Reports, which will include figures for headcount reduction in NDPBs as well as the core Department and at aggregate level in the pre-Budget report.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister who in the Department has been made responsible for achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Jim Fitzpatrick: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State is responsible for the overall delivery of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's efficiency programme.

Housing

Paul Burstow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brent East (Sarah Teather) of 14 October 2005, Official Report, column 613W, on housing as a result of section 106 agreements, if he will break down the figures for each year by local authority.

Yvette Cooper: A table showing the number of dwellings built as a result of section 106 agreements in each local authority in England, in each year from 2000–01 to 2003–04, has been placed in the Library of the House.

Housing

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the number of houses to be built in (a) Braintree constituency and (b) Essex in the next 10 years.

Yvette Cooper: The review of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England is currently considering how many homes will be built in Braintree district and Essex county over the next 10 years.

Housing

Frank Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 20 October 2005, Official Report, column 1140W, on housing, if he will update Table A to include the number of households on the housing register per thousand people in each local authority.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 27 October 2005
	Table A is as follows with the appended column showing the percentage of total households that are on the local authority's housing register.
	Local authorities in England report the number of households on their housing waiting list as at 1 April in their annual Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix returns. Local authorities sometimes maintain a common waiting list with the housing association/s in their district. However, information is not held centrally where a housing association maintains a separate waiting list to the local authority.
	
		Table A: Local authorities who reported the 25 highest figures for number of households on their housing register at 1 April 2005
		
			  Local authority Region Number of households in the housing register As a percentage of total households 
		
		
			 1 Sheffield Yorkshire and the Humber 72,604 33 
			 2 Bradford Yorkshire and the Humber 32,046 17 
			 3 Leeds Yorkshire and the Humber 30,699 10 
			 4 Newham London 25,317 26 
			 5 Tower Hamlets London 21,183 24 
			 6 Haringey London 19,930 20 
			 7 Sandwell West Midlands 19,655 17 
			 8 Lewisham London 18,279 16 
			 9 Manchester North West 17,772 10 
			 10 Birmingham West Midlands 17,493 4 
			 11 Brent London 17,351 15 
			 12 Camden London 16,532 17 
			 13 Sunderland North East 16,222 14 
			 14 Bolton North West 16,096 15 
			 15 Wirral North West 15,524 11 
			 16 Baling London 14,324 17 
			 17 Rotherham Yorkshire and the Humber 13,903 13 
			 18 Barnet London 13,627 10 
			 19 Newcastle upon Tyne North East 13,099 11 
			 20 East Riding of Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber 12,163 9 
			 21 Walsall West Midlands 12,024 12 
			 22 Doncaster Yorkshire and the Humber 11,937 10 
			 23 Bristol South West 11,809 7 
			 24 Sefton North West 11,637 10 
			 25 Leicester East Midlands 11,482 10

Housing

Sally Keeble: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent assessment he has made of overcrowding in housing.

Yvette Cooper: According to the latest results from the Survey of English Housing (SEH), some 560,000 households in England (2.7 per cent.) did not meet the bedroom standard in 2004–05. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister estimates that 14,000 households do not meet the statutory overcrowding standards in the Housing Act 1985.

Investment (Kettering)

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to change the level of investment into the Kettering constituency via English Partnership over the next 10 years.

Yvette Cooper: Kettering is a key growth town within the Milton Keynes-South Midlands growth area, and as such it forms an important part of the Government's sustainable communities agenda.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is discussing English Partnerships' future programme and priorities as part of their current corporate planning round for the years 2005–06 to 2008–09.
	Funding for ODPM programmes for 2008–09 to 2010–11 will be dependent on the results of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007.

Leasehold Reform Act

Robert Key: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he has issued on whether the provisions of the Leasehold Reform Act 2002 relating to leasehold enfranchisement apply to (a) rented flats and (b) rented houses owned by English cathedrals which are subject to charity legislation.

Yvette Cooper: The leasehold enfranchisement provisions in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, which amended existing enfranchisement provisions, are only available to long leaseholders (those with leases which were granted for a term exceeding 21 years), and do not apply to renting tenants.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has produced a booklet entitled Residential Long Leaseholders—A guide to your rights and responsibilities". This booklet sets out who is eligible to enfranchise and where exceptions apply, and is available from ODPM Publications, PO Box No. 236, Wetherby, LS23 7NB Telephone 0870 1226 236.

Local Government Ombudsman

Gary Streeter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff are employed by the local government ombudsman.

Phil Woolas: The local government ombudsman currently employs 202 staff.

Local Government Ombudsman

Gary Streeter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the budget is for the local government ombudsman in 2005–06.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has agreed to make available to the local government ombudsman funding of £11,522,400 in 2005–06.

Lyons Inquiry

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2005, Official Report, column 813W, on the Lyons Inquiry, what estimated date his Department has been informed of by Sir Michael Lyons for the date of publication of the interim report; and what date his Department's press office forward-planning grid lists.

Phil Woolas: Sir Michael Lyons intends to publish information later this autumn. However, as yet, he has set no specific date.

Mobile Telecommunication Masts

Nigel Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning permission applications have been granted for mobile phone masts in (a) Lancashire and (b) Ribble Valley since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 26 October 2005
	The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	However, during September and October every year the mobile network operators write to every local authority with details of their network rollout for the year ahead. When they write to the local authority they also provide details of their existing sites within the local authority area. The hon. Member may want to contact the network operators for copies of their plans.

New Build

Denis MacShane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many new houses and dwellings were built in (a) Sheffield, (b) Rotherham, (c) Doncaster and (d) Barnsley in each year since 2000.

Yvette Cooper: The annual number of new build completions reported for (a) Sheffield, (b) Rotherham, (c) Doncaster and (d) Barnsley in each year since 2000 are as tabled:
	
		Number of new build completions
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Sheffield 654 717 733 736 1,349 
			 Rotherham 937 1,006 1,229 810 598 
			 Doncaster 703 592 847 546 731 
			 Barnsley 754 783 649 758 815 
		
	
	Source:
	Returns (P2/NHBC) to ODPM on building control completions.

Planning

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact of the planning system on disabled people seeking to install equipment to assist their mobility in and around their homes; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Work to the interior of existing homes, garages and other curtilage buildings is not governed by the planning system, unless a building has been listed for its special architectural or historic interest. Many external works are authorised under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. For the local planning authority the test is whether installation of equipment would amount to 'development' and, if so, whether it would breach any of the limits set by the Permitted Development Order to help protect the amenity of the neighbourhood. Even where a planning application is necessary, the fee is waived if the works are designed to improve access for a disabled person to his or her home.

Planning

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to reinforce the integrity of village envelopes within the planning system in the new growth areas.

Yvette Cooper: A village envelope is boundary defined on a map beyond which the local planning authority proposes that a village should not be allowed to extend.
	The Government have no national planning policy on village envelopes and is a matter for local planning authorities.
	The growth areas are targeted on urban areas so as to maximise use of brown field land, to help urban renaissance and to contribute to regeneration.

Police and Fire Authorities

Graham Stringer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the gearing ratio for each (a) police and (b) fire authority budget in England is.

Jim Fitzpatrick: An authority's gearing ratio is a measure of the impact that an increase in its budget has on its council tax. In the following table are gearing ratios derived from data on Revenue Accounts budget returns supplied to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for 2005–06. The ratios have been calculated as revenue expenditure divided by the council tax requirement for the relevant authorities:
	
		
			  Gearing ratio 
		
		
			 Shire police authorities  
			 Avon and Somerset 3.6 
			 Bedfordshire 4.3 
			 Cambridgeshire 3.5 
			 Cheshire 4.4 
			 Cleveland 5.1 
			 Cumbria 3.6 
			 Derbyshire 3.9 
			 Devon and Cornwall 3.7 
			 Dorset 2.8 
			 Durham 6.6 
			 Essex 3.9 
			 Gloucestershire 3.0 
			 Hampshire 5.3 
			 Hertfordshire 3.4 
			 Humberside 4.4 
			 Kent 4.1 
			 Lancashire 5.2 
			 Leicestershire 4.1 
			 Lincolnshire 3.7 
			 Norfolk 3.4 
			 North Yorkshire 2.6 
			 Northamptonshire 3.2 
			 Nottinghamshire 4.6 
			 Staffordshire 3.5 
			 Suffolk 3.5 
			 Surrey 2.4 
			 Sussex 3.8 
			 Thames Valley 4.0 
			 Warwickshire 3.2 
			 West Mercia 3.0 
			 Wiltshire 3.3 
			   
			 Metropolitan police authorities  
			 Greater Manchester 9.1 
			 Merseyside 6.8 
			 South Yorkshire 6.0 
			 Northumbria 9.5 
			 West Midlands 8.0 
			 West Yorkshire 6.0 
			 Combined fire authorities  
			 Avon Fire Authority 2.5 
			 Bedfordshire and Luton Fire Authority 1.8 
			 Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Authority 2.0 
			 Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority 1.8 
			 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority 2.0 
			 Cheshire Fire Authority 1.8 
			 Cleveland Fire Authority 3.7 
			 Derbyshire Fire Authority 2.1 
			 Devon Fire Authority 2.0 
			 Dorset Fire Authority 1.9 
			 County Durham and Darlington Fire Authority 2.1 
			 East Sussex Fire Authority 1.7 
			 Essex Fire Authority 1.9 
			 Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority 2.5 
			 Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority 1.7 
			 Humberside Fire Authority 2.4 
			 Kent and Medway Fire Authority 1.8 
			 Lancashire Combined Fire Authority 2.5 
			 Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority 2.4 
			 North Yorkshire Fire Authority 2.0 
			 Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire and Rescue  Authority 2.2 
			 Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority 1.7 
			 Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority 1.9 
			 Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority 1.8 
			   
			 Metropolitan fire authorities  
			 Greater Manchester 3.4 
			 Merseyside 3.4 
			 South Yorkshire 3.1 
			 Tyne and Wear 2.9 
			 West Midlands 4.2 
			 West Yorkshire 3.2 
		
	
	Multi-purpose authorities that are responsible for services other than fire and police have not been included in the table. These authorities include those county councils that are responsible for fire services, the Greater London Authority, which has responsibility for police and fire, and the City of London, which has responsibility for its own police.

Policies (Financial Support)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what costings of (a) Conservative, (b) Labour and (c) Liberal Democrat policies his Department has (i) undertaken, (ii) co-ordinated and (iii) advised upon in the last 12 months; and in respect of which policies.

Jim Fitzpatrick: In accordance with Cabinet Office guidance, costings were carried out at the request of Ministers of some of the policies set out in the Conservative documents Home Truths: the Right to Own" and Better Public Services, Better Value".
	No costings were undertaken of Liberal Democrat policies.
	Labour policies were costed as part of the work undertaken on behalf of Ministers to implement those policies.

Regional Chambers

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the (a) local authority and (b) stakeholder members of the regional chambers are subject to potential investigation by the Standards Board for England in their capacity as members of the regional chamber.

Phil Woolas: Local authority members who serve on regional assemblies are subject to the code of conduct of their local authority. Where an allegation of misconduct is made against a member, it is a matter for the Standards Board for England to decide whether the allegation should be investigated. Other stakeholder members of regional assemblies are outside the remit of the Standards Board but must adhere to the individual code of conduct each assembly has in place.

Regional Fire Control

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will publish (a) a cost-benefit analysis and (b) the regulatory impact assessment for the Government's plans to establish regional fire control rooms in England outside London.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has already published a cost-benefit analysis of the FiReControl project. This is available on the FiReControl website (www.firecontrol.odpm.gov.uk) as the Economic Case" section of the project's Outline Business Case. After the technology/infrastructure services procurement is completed, it will be possible to produce a Full Business Case containing actual costs for the infrastructure.
	Prior to April 2004, regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) were not required for any proposal that had an impact solely on public services. When the policy decision to proceed with the FiReControl project was announced to the house on 4 March 2004, it was determined that the proposals to establish regional fire control rooms in England met this criterion. For this reason, no RIA was developed.

Social/Affordable Housing

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from the London borough of Islington on its requirements for social housing authorities' new developments; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has not received any representations from the London borough of Islington on this matter.

Social/Affordable Housing

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to increase the number of units of (a) social and (b) affordable housing in Tamworth constituency.

Yvette Cooper: The policy for ensuring provision of affordable homes is being considered as part of the Tamworth Local Plan review process. The Inspector's report on these revisions is due to be published soon and it would not be proper to pre-empt these considerations.
	Earlier this year the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister introduced changes to the planning system aimed at removing barriers to delivering affordable homes and to free up unused employment land where it is needed for housing. Following publication of the Inspector's report, Tamworth borough council will begin work on a Housing Development Plan Document which will form part of the overall Local Development Framework for the borough. Work on the document which will set out future housing needs, including for affordable and social housing, is due to get under way early in 2006.
	My hon. Friend will be aware that the Government have a long-term strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing. Over the next five years our new homebuy schemes will extend the opportunity for home ownership for potentially 100,000 households by 2010. These schemes will introduce simpler, fairer and more affordable products to help people to get a foot on the housing ladder.
	We are also investing heavily in new affordable homes for rent with investment for 2007–08 earmarked at around £2 billion which is double what it was in 1997. At the same time we are increasing investment in social homes which, in the three years to 2008, will provide 75,000 new homes which is a 50 per cent. increase per year over original targets. The West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy is providing the first step towards addressing affordable housing issues in the region. The Strategy has informed the regional housing board's allocation of funding for the period 2004 to 2008 including £368 million for investment in social housing which should deliver nearly 10,000 new homes across the region.

Supporting People Programme

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the level of Government expenditure has been on the Supporting People programme in each year of its operation; and what allocations have been made for (a) 2005–06, (b) 2006–07 and (c) 2007–08.

Phil Woolas: Since 2003, Government expenditure on the Supporting People Programme has been £5.5 billion.
	
		
			  Expenditure (£ billion) 
		
		
			 2003–04 1.88 
			 2004–05 1.87 
			 2005–06 1.76 
		
	
	The allocation of funding in 2006–07 and 2007–08 has yet to be made and will be announced in December 2005 alongside the Local Government Settlement.

Supporting People Programme

Andrew Smith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the predicted grant underspend for 2005–06 in the supporting people programme reported by the Audit Commission.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister welcomes the audit commission's report and is looking at all of the findings. These will be taken forward through our work on developing the supporting people strategy. We intend to publish a consultation paper on this shortly.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Africa

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding he has allocated to tackling (a) ascariasis, (b) elephantiasis and (c) river blindness in Africa in 2005–06.

Hilary Benn: DFID prioritises the provision of basic health services in Africa and is helping to build comprehensive and sustainable health services in many countries. This helps poor countries tackle diseases such as ascariasis, elephantiasis and river blindness, in addition to many others.
	These diseases are often linked to dirty water or poor sanitation. DFID is committed to helping African countries provide clean water and sanitation for their people and will double aid expenditure on water and sanitation in Africa over the next three years.
	In addition, DFID targets funds at parasitic diseases through a number of Global Health Partnerships, multilateral agencies and researchers. For example, DFID supports the African Programme for Onchocerciasis (river blindness) Control. We have supported onchocerciasis control continuously since 1974, contributing around £4.65 million to date. DFID is currently undertaking a progress review which will help determine our contribution in 2005–06 and future years.
	DFID have also pledged £2.5 million over five years (2005–10) to the Lymphatic Filariasis (elephantiasis) Support Centre (LFSC) at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), to support the work of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF) of which £500,000 will be disbursed during 2005–06.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what work his Department is doing on development and disaster risk reduction.

Gareth Thomas: At the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Japan in January this year member states including the United Kingdom renewed their commitment to reducing disaster risk. At Gleneagles in July, the G8 also agreed to increase investment in disaster risk reduction. The challenge is to transform these commitments into action in developing countries where it is needed most.
	In 2004 the Secretary of State for International Development committed the Department to increase expenditure on disaster risk reduction. The UK is already the largest contributor of unearmarked funds to the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). Earlier this year, we committed £3.5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for their disaster risk reduction programmes in Africa and Asia. We have also allocated 10 per cent. of our tsunami response funds to support disaster risk reduction measures in the countries affected. In October 2005 we committed £12.5 million over five years to support the community level disaster risk reduction work of five international non-governmental organisations.
	We are developing a new policy paper on disaster risk reduction to enable DFID to tackle disaster risk more effectively, and to advise our country offices on ways of incorporating disaster risk reduction into development. We have also called on the United Nations and the World Bank to do more on disaster risk reduction. This challenge is being taken up through the reform of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and increasing recognition of disaster risk reduction in Poverty Reduction Strategies.

Malawi

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the food shortage in Malawi.

Hilary Benn: The Government of Malawi and donors were able to respond quickly to the food shortages in Malawi because Malawi had a good early warning system, and an effective system of assessing needs and allocating food aid.
	To date, 1.8 million people have received food aid. This will rise to 2.8 million people by the end of December as needs increase. By the end of the hungry season, the plan is to feed 4.2 million people. The distribution of the food aid through the Government and the World Food Programme (WFP) is carefully targeted and monitored to ensure that it properly meets those in greatest need.
	The UK Government have contributed £15.2 million to address Malawi's food shortages this year. These funds paid for 70,000 tons of food, the financing of a logistics unit that is distributing food on behalf of the Government, options for the Government of Malawi on a further 60,000 tons of maize, the purchase of seeds for next year's harvest and support for UNICEF's nutritional rehabilitation units, which treat severely malnourished children.
	DFID continues to monitor the situation closely and, with the Government of Malawi, have called for an updated assessment of needs, which will be published later this week. We stand ready to support the Government of Malawi if more needs to be done.

Malawi

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) money and (b) food aid the Government have given to aid organisations for operations in Malawi since it received news of the drought.

Hilary Benn: The UK Government have contributed £15.2 million to address Malawi's food shortages this year. Of this amount, £6.7 million has been used to purchase 45,000 tons of maize, which will be distributed with the help of Non Governmental Organisations on the ground in targeting poor people whose harvests have failed and who do not have money to buy food. £4.87 million of additional budget support has been used by the Government of Malawi to buy options on 60,000 tons of maize in case the food situation worsens plus the purchase of seeds for next year's harvest. A further £3 million will be used after the next harvest to replenish 22,400 tons of maize drawn from the Strategic Grain Reserve to provide food aid.
	DFID is also providing £500,000 to build the Government's capacity, including financing a logistics unit to distribute food on behalf of government. A further £130,000 has been given to UNICEF to support their treatment programme for severely malnourished children. We are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to do more if required.

Obstetric Fistula

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding the Department has allocated to tackling obstetric fistula in Africa in 2005–06.

Gareth Thomas: DFID provides most of its health-related assistance to Africa in support of building comprehensive health services, often through non-earmarked Poverty Reduction Budgetary Support (PRBS) or ear-marked health sector support. Whilst a proportion of this will be used to tackle obstetric fistula, it is not possible to provide an exact figure for spend in this area.
	The cornerstone of preventing obstetric fistulae is prompt access to good quality health care when needed. DFID is committed to helping countries expand access to health care, including family planning, antenatal and obstetric services.
	DFID also targets some funding through NGOs to tackle obstetric fistula. For example, DFID has provided a grant of £588,000 to the Engendered Health and Women's Dignity Project to combat obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda.
	To complement our country level support, DFID also channels funds though the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). For the period of 2005–06, DFID has provided £20 million core funding and £10 million specifically for reproductive health (for preventable and treatable conditions such as obstetric fistula).

Poorly Performing Projects

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for how many projects the Department has stopped funding for reasons of ineffectiveness in each of the last eight years.

Hilary Benn: The Performance Reporting Information System for Management (PRISM) monitoring process alerts programme managers to underperforming projects and requires them to agree any changes needed to implementation arrangements, resources or targets to achieve the intended development outcomes.
	For the years in question, DFID does not keep a record of the number of projects which were terminated because they were ineffective or are no longer relevant.

Poverty Reduction

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what statistical measures of the effectiveness of aid in reducing poverty his Department uses when deciding which (a) countries and (b) projects receive funding.

Hilary Benn: DFID draws on the fullest possible range of statistical information available on poverty and on the prospects for achieving the Millennium Development Goals when deciding funding for countries and for projects. All new DFID commitments are subject to rigorous analysis and appraisal in line with agreed guidelines and international best practice.

UN Millennium Review

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the outcome of the UN Millennium Review Summit.

Hilary Benn: I am pleased that, on development, the outcome of the UN Millennium Review Summit consolidated all that was achieved at the G8 Summit at Gleneagles.
	In particular, the summit endorsed the need for faster progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), acknowledging the special needs of Africa. It also endorsed the G8 approach on HIV/AIDS and climate change, including, importantly, on stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations.
	The commitments of the G8 and EU, to increase aid, provide deeper debt relief and explorie innovative financing mechanisms were all welcomed.
	Important commitments were also made in other areas too. For DFID, our immediate priorities are to support the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission by the end of the year and to develop satisfactory arrangements for the Peacebuilding Fund; to be closely involved in the process by which the Secretary General develops his ideas for longer-term reform of the UN development architecture; and to continue to work with the UN on reform of the humanitarian assistance system.
	The Millennium Review Summit ensured that the momentum generated at Gleneagles was maintained, and the commitments made there given global endorsement by the 191 UN member states. There is still much to be done, but the agreements reached this year represent a significant step towards reducing poverty in developing countries.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Arson

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to the Government of arson in (a) England and Wales and (b) Essex in the last year for which figures are available.

Jim Fitzpatrick: I have been asked to reply.
	The most recent available information is for 2003 and is tabled as follows. For that year the total cost of arson to the economy in England and Wales was an estimated £2,849 million, of which 28 per cent. (£806 million) was incurred by the public sector. The biggest single element of public sector expenditure was in funding the Fire and Rescue Service to respond to arson fires, which cost an estimated £642 million in 2003.
	Within the Essex Fire and Rescue Authority area, the total cost of arson fires in 2003 was estimated £56 million, of which £12 million was incurred by the public sector (including £6 million fire service response costs; and £4 million resulting from fire damage in public sector buildings).
	
		Costs of arson, 2003 -- £ million
		
			  England and Wales Essex 
		
		
			 Total cost of deliberate fires to the economy 2,849 56 
			
			 Total of deliberate fires to the public sector 806 12 
			 Costs in anticipation:   
			 Fire safety 16 0.3 
			 Consequential costs:   
			 Criminal justice system costs 87 2 
			 Property fire damage to public sector  buildings (eg schools, hospitals,  government property) 61 4 
			 Response costs:   
			 Cost of fire service attendance 642 6

ASBOs

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders in the Wakefield district area were (a) found to be in breach of their anti-social behaviour orders and (b) given custodial sentences.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Court Proceedings Database held by my Department holds breach proceedings only where there has been a conviction.
	Data on convictions for breach of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) are currently available from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2003. During this period my Department received notification of 1,892 persons receiving ASBOs in England and Wales. Of these, 793 were convicted of breaching their ASBO on one or more occasions. 437 received a custodial sentence for at least one of the breaches. The proportion of persons (356) who did not receive a custodial sentence is 45 per cent.
	Data on convictions for breach of an ASBO are available at Criminal Justice System level only. As such data for Wakefield metropolitan district council are not available.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applicants to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme who have unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 were categorised under each of the penalty point categories listed in section 13e of the scheme in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority advise that penalty point data are not held centrally.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many applicants to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme who do not have unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 applying for compensation for a murder have (a) been refused or (b) received reduced compensation because the victim had unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 in each of the last five years for which records are available;
	(2)  how many applicants to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme who have unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 applying for compensation for a murder have (a) been refused and (b) received reduced compensation although the victim did not have any unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 in each of the last five years for which records are available.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority advise that the data they record centrally do not distinguish between refusals and reductions for the victim's convictions and the applicant's convictions, but merely records refusals and reductions on account of convictions. The available data are given in the table.
	
		CICS finalised fatal awards reduced/refused for victim's/applicant's previous convictions
		
			  Refused Reduced 
		
		
			 2000–01 132 60 
			 2001–02 209 88 
			 2002–03 246 105 
			 2003–04 204 122 
			 2004–05 236 124

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what percentage of applications for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2001 have been successful in each year of its operation;
	(2)  what percentage of applicants, under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2001, have received compensation for each year of its operation.

Fiona Mactaggart: The success rate (percentage of applications attracting a monetary award) in the four years 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04 and 2004–05 was 57 per cent., 55 per cent., 55 per cent. and 54 per cent. respectively.

Domestic Violence

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding has been made available to support the victims of domestic violence and their children in (a) South Bedfordshire district and (b) Dacorum borough in each of the last three years.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 20 October 2005
	The table shows the allocations of funding which has been made available from the Home Office Building Safer Communities Fund and Domestic Violence Funding, to provide for a range of services for victims of domestic violence and their children in (a) South Bedfordshire district and (b) Dacorum borough in each of the last three years.
	The support services provided for include; Mother and Child Drug Abuse outreach work; District and Countywide Domestic Violence Co-ordinators; Refuge worker and Counselling services for Women's Aid Federation of England; Sunflower Centre-Multi-agency support centre victims of sexual assault; and Training and Support for victims of Domestic Violence.
	
		
			  South Bedfordshire Dacorum 
		
		
			 2003–04 22,000 32,380 
			 2004–05 61,631 62,590 
			 2005–06 60,000 39,000

Double-seated Embrace Restraint

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the double-seated embrace restraint was used in each secure training centre in (a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Drug Smuggling

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests of people carrying illegal drugs from Jamaica there have been since 2001.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	There have been a total of 2,351 arrests by HM Revenue and Customs (formerly HM Customs and Excise) of people carrying illegal drugs from Jamaica since 2001.

Feltham Young Offenders Institution

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of staffing levels at Feltham Young Offenders Institution.

Fiona Mactaggart: Administrative staffing levels at Feltham are stable with relatively slow turnover. Within officer grades turnover is greater, particularly within the first 12 months that staff are in post. Historically, Feltham has experienced recruitment difficulties but this situation has improved, with more staff being recruited from the local area and a proactive approach ensuring that high numbers of vacancies do not occur. Sickness levels have also drastically improved over the last three years

Kamel Bourgass

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2005, Official Report, column 1243W, on Kamel Bourgass, if he will estimate the approximate date when the information was passed from the police to the Home Office and Ministers; and when Porton Down passed this information to Ministers.

Charles Clarke: Following the police raid on 5 January 2003, a pestle and mortar was found in the flat on 6 January 2003 and sent for analysis. An e-mail sent at 06:02 am on 7 January 2003 from the Terrorism and Protection Unit (TPU) to the Home Secretary's Office confirmed a notification received earlier that morning (no time, medium, source or recipient recorded) that the powder found inside the mortar was ricin—enough for one lethal dose.
	Under the Freedom of Information Act 2005, we have a legal obligation to search for any relevant information before making the decision whether to disclose or apply an exemption.
	After a very thorough search I can confirm that the Home Office does not hold any other information relevant to the question.

Mental Health (Prisons)

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have been transferred under sections 47 and 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983 from the dangerous and severe personality disorder units at HMP Whitemoor and Frankland.

Fiona Mactaggart: A total of 26 prisoners that have been in contact with the prison based DSPD units at HMP Whitemoor and Frankland have been transferred under section 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983, to high secure hospitals. No prisoners were transferred under section 48.

Prisoner Re-offending

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners released with electronic tags have re-offended.

Fiona Mactaggart: As of 31 August 2005, over 116,000 prisoners have been released on the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme since it was introduced in January 1999. The number of offenders who have been convicted, cautioned or are awaiting prosecution for a further offence, committed while subject to HDC, as notified to the Home Office by 31 August 2005, is 3,583, which is approximately 3 per cent. of the total curfews placed on the scheme.

Prisoner Re-offending

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners sentenced to between one and four years and then subject to early release were later recalled to prison for re-offending over the last five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 17 October 2005
	The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		Number of prisoners sentenced to between one and four years and subject to early release(12) who were later recalled for re-offending
		
			  Total released Total recalled for re-offending Total recalled for re-offending as a percentage of those released (percentage) 
		
		
			 2000 7,578 54 1 
			 2001 6,897 65 1 
			 2002 9,762 84 1 
			 2003 10,653 234 2 
			 2004 9,109 286 3 
		
	
	(12) Subject to early release means those released early to serve part of their sentence under home detention curfew.

Prisons

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which routes of complaint are open to prisoners held in the (a) public sector prison estate and (b) private prison estate to make formal complaints about the health and medical services.

Fiona Mactaggart: Prisoners have access to the national health service complaints process in prisons where the NHS commissions health services. Prison Service Instruction 14/2005, Handling Complaints about Prison Health Care", which provides the relevant guidance, is available op the Prison Service website at www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/psispsos/listpsis.
	Work is under way with the Health Service Ombudsman, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman and the Health Care Commission to ensure that an equivalent complaints process is in place for prisoners in contracted prisons.

Prisons

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of prison staff have been referred to the police for dealing in drugs in each of the last eight years.

Fiona Mactaggart: This information is not recorded centrally.
	Where prison staff are suspected of, or accused of committing any criminal act, which includes dealing in drugs, the matter is referred to the police for investigation or action.

Prisons

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the incidence of overcrowding in prisons; and what assessment he has made of the consequences of overcrowding.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 24 October 2005
	The key performance target for overcrowding in public sector prisons for 2005–06 is for no more than 24 per cent. of the population, and for the private sector 34.5 per cent. of the population held in accommodation units intended for fewer prisoners. The difference in the targets between the public and private sector prisons reflects their different circumstances. Private sector prisons are generally of a comparatively newer design and construction than their public sector equivalents and better able to safely accommodate higher levels of overcrowding than the public sector estate. At present, there are 23.5 per cent. of prisoners sharing accommodation in crowded conditions in the public sector and 24.9 per cent. in the private sector. This is kept under review.
	Population pressures can result in greater numbers of prisoners required to share cells in crowded conditions. Higher numbers of prisoners may also affect the provision of regimes in some prisons. Everything possible will continue to be done to minimise any disruption.

School Security (London)

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to ensure that schools in London have adequate security in place to prevent them being attacked by terrorists.

Jacqui Smith: I have been asked to reply.
	We believe that existing security advice to schools remains sufficient. It includes pointing schools towards MI5's advice on protective security against terrorism. The employer in each school is responsible for managing their own school's safety.

Secure Training Centres

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of staff have (a) joined and (b) left each secure training centre in each year since they came into operation.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 11 July 2005
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 28 October 2005, Official Report, column 596W to my hon. Friend, the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Dr. Vis).

Sentencing

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the need for pre-sentence reports in criminal cases where there is a guilty plea and where there are no non-custodial sentencing options on conviction.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 19 October 2005
	It is for the court to request a pre-sentence report (PSR). The Probation Service is statutorily obliged to provide a pre-sentence report when the court requests one. The Probation Service would normally provide a PSR in all cases where custody is a possibility. A PSR would not usually be provided where an offender has been found guilty of murder and a life sentence is the only possible disposal.

Sexual Harm Orders

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many risk of sexual harm orders have been issued in the last six months.

Paul Goggins: The data requested is not currently available. The most recent published data pre-dates the use of risk of sexual harm orders which were introduced in May 2004.

Terrorism

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the evolution of the terrorist career path; what progress the Government is making to develop a comprehensive interventions strategy to turn people from this path; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Clarke: The Government has been working with the intelligence agencies and communities to develop our understanding of the ways in which our young people can be attracted to terrorism. Over the summer Home Office Ministers conducted a series of meetings, speaking to over 1,000 local faith and community representatives to gather their views on tackling extremism.
	In addition, I announced three proposals developed by the Preventing Extremism Together (PET) working groups, to tackle extremism and its underlying causes on 22 September. These are:
	(a) a National Advisory Council for Imams and Mosques;
	(b) a National Forum against Extremism and Islamophobia and;
	(c) a National Road show of populist religious scholars.
	There are many other proposals coming from the PET groups and they are working with officials to develop these further and report back to me by the end of October.

Witness Care Units

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local criminal justice board areas have at least one witness care unit; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: There are now 118 witness care units up and running, with at least one in each local criminal justice board area. By the end of December this year, there will be 165 units live, providing an enhanced level of service to victims and witnesses across the whole of England and Wales.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Barristers

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list the 10 barristers who received the highest payments from the civil legal aid budget in the last financial year; how much each received; and if she will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: I refer my hon. Friend to my letter to him of 14 September pursuant to my previous answer on 26 May 2005, Official Report, column 170W. In the letter I enclosed tables listing the 12 highest paid barristers from the CDS and the CLS in each of the last three years. A copy of the letter and the tables were placed in the House of Commons Library.
	In line with the DCA's publication scheme, the tables are also on the Department's website at www.dca.gov.uk.

Correspondence

Michael Penning: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps she is taking to improve the Department's performance in replying to hon. Members' correspondence.

Bridget Prentice: My Department attaches great importance to ensuring that all correspondence receives an appropriate response without delay. All correspondence from hon. Members and Peers is handled in accordance with the principles set out in 'Handling Correspondence from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs and Members of Devolved Assemblies: Guidance for Departments'. The same principles apply when handling correspondence from members of the public.
	Information relating to the performance of Departments in replying to Members/Peers correspondence is published on an annual basis. The Report for 2004 was published on 6 April 2005, Official Report, columns 137–40WS.
	My Department began a project to improve the handling of correspondence from hon. Members in July 2004; performance against its 20-working day target in that year was 64 per cent. (and 88 per cent. in the second half of 2004) and performance in 2005 is projected to be 92 per cent.

Correspondence

Michael Penning: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps she is taking to improve the Department's performance in replying to correspondence from members of the public.

Bridget Prentice: My Department attaches great importance to ensuring that all correspondence receives an appropriate response without delay. All correspondence from hon. Members and Peers is handled in accordance with the principles set out in 'Handling Correspondence from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs and Members of Devolved Assemblies: Guidance for Departments'. The same principles apply when handling correspondence from members of the public.
	Information relating to the performance of Departments in replying to Members/Peers correspondence is published on an annual basis. The Report for 2004 was published on 6 April 2005, Official Report, columns 137–40WS.
	My Department began a project to improve the handling of correspondence from members of the public in April 2005; performance against its 15-working day target in 2004 was 73 per cent. and performance in 2005 is projected to be 80 per cent.

Departmental Energy Consumption

Norman Lamb: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much energy has been consumed by her Department in each of the last five years; and how much was spent on energy in each year.

Harriet Harman: The amount of energy consumed each year, by my Department, since 2000 is provided within the following table. Also included within the table is the cost of the energy consumed.
	
		
			  Total cost (£) Annual consumption (kWh) Weather corrected annual consumption (kWh) 
		
		
			 2000–01 4,591,211.00 163,981,500.00 163,981,500.00 
			 2001–02 4,983,831.00 149,684,200.00 149,684,200.00 
			 2002–03 5,111,945.00 169,236,800.00 169,236,800.00 
			 2003–04 5,328,156.00 176,411,580.00 176,411,580.00 
			 2004–05 6,031,199.78 177,477,430.61 188,547,808.60

Elections

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many complaints she has received from individuals in relation to being unable to vote in (a) local, (b) general and (c) European elections in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: This information is not systematically collected or permanently recorded. However, In 2005, complaints were received from individuals in respect of being unable to vote in the general election held this year as set out below.
	
		
			 Category Number 
		
		
			 Non-registration 61 
			 Postal voting time limits 34 
			 Non-eligibility of foreign nationals 15 
			 Minimum age too high 15 
			 Overseas voters, limitation of eligibility 12 
			 Administrative errors 5 
			 Convicted and detained prisoners 4 
			 Non-receipt of pollcard 4 
			 Other 5

Elections

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will deposit a copy of each submission to the Department's consultation on the Electoral Administration Bill in the Library.

Harriet Harman: We received over 160 responses, within the deadline, to the policy paper on electoral administration which was put out on 25 May this year.
	On Tuesday 11 October, alongside introduction of the Electoral Administration Bill, we published a paper which detailed and analysed the responses received. Copies of the paper were put into the Libraries of both Houses on that day.

Elections

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs why the Department's announcement of 12 October 2005 on plans for pilots of electoral modernisation in the 2006 elections was not made in Parliament.

Harriet Harman: The Department have issued an invitation to local authorities having elections in May 2006 to apply to run electoral modernisation pilots under S. 10 of the Representation of the People Act 2000. When, following consultation with the Electoral Commission, a decision is made on which pilots to approve, an announcement will be made to the House.

Elections

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Electoral Commission regarding the potential for postal vote fraud.

Harriet Harman: Regular discussions take place between officials from my Department, the independent Electoral Commission and me on a wide range of electoral issues, including measures to prevent postal voting fraud.
	This was one if the issues discussed when I met with the chairman, chief executive and other officials from the Commission on 19 October.

Elections

Michael Penning: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on voting arrangements for military service personnel serving (a) in the UK and (b) abroad.

Harriet Harman: The Government has increased the voting options for service personnel. As a result of the RPA 2000, service personnel have been able to vote by post as an alternative to appointing a proxy. The Government is committed to ensuring that all members of the Armed Forces are aware of their voting rights. To achieve this we are working with the independent Electoral Commission to run a publicity campaign, which has consisted of voting information being displayed in a leaflet, that is being distributed to all members of the Armed Forces, and on service websites.

Ethnic Minorities

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely impact of the recommendations in the Legal Services Commission's consultation paper Improving Value for Money" on the number of ethnic minorities carrying out publicly-funded legal work in London.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is strongly committed to promoting diversity within the supplier base and is aware of the concerns of small black and minority ethnic (BME) firms providing London based criminal defence services.
	The potential impact of competitive tendering upon BME firms was raised in the consultation paper Improving value for money for publicly funded criminal defence services in London", published in January 2005. The LSC has been working closely with both BME suppliers and their representative bodies throughout the consultation process to address any concerns they may have.
	The LSC have also commissioned research into the issues faced by BME firms within the legal aid supplier base. This research will help to cultivate further measures to protect small black and minority ethnic suppliers against unfair discrimination and is expected to report this month.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what progress has been made, in terms of (a) headcount reductions and (b) cost savings, in achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Bridget Prentice: Progress was reported in Budget 2005 and in the Departmental Annual Reports. Further progress will be reported in the Autumn Performance Reports and at aggregate level in the Pre-Budget Report.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs who in the Department has been made responsible for achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Bridget Prentice: The Secretary of State is responsible for the overall delivery of the Department's Efficiency programme.

Judges

David Laws: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the effective rate of employer contributions is to final salary pension schemes in the public sector for judges.

Bridget Prentice: The employer's accruing superannuation liability charge (ASLCs) is set at 29.25 per cent. (including 0.25 per cent. as a contribution to the scheme's administration) of pensionable judicial salaries, after allowing for members' contributions of 3 per cent. or 4 per cent. of pensionable salaries. The contribution rate is set following each valuation of the scheme. The last valuation was as at 31 March 2005. As a result of that valuation the ASLCs rate will increase to 30.75 per cent. from 1 April 2006.

Judges

Iris Robinson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what progress has been made in the appointing of women to senior posts in the judiciary in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: Increasing numbers of women are being appointed to the judiciary in Northern Ireland. Two of the last five appointments to the county court bench were women.
	The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 changed the eligibility requirement for judicial appointments to require a prescribed number of years standing as a barrister or solicitor rather than, as previously, a prescribed number of years in practice. This change will ensure that women who take a career break from legal practice are not disadvantaged.
	The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission which was established in June 2005 now has responsibility for recommendations for judicial appointments, and one of its statutory responsibilities is to engage in a programme of action which is designed to secure, so far as it is reasonably practicable to do so (and consistent with appointment on merit), appointments to the judiciary such that those holding such offices are reflective of the community in Northern Ireland.

Legal Aid

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what special arrangements are in place for legal aid to non-English speakers; and if she will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: In criminal cases, legal aid funding provides for the services of an interpreter when an individual is arrested and held at a police station. Once the case is heard at court, an interpreter for the defendant is arranged and funded by Her Majesty's Court Service.
	For civil cases, interpreter fees are allowable in principle as a supplier disbursement in all categories of law, both for preparation work and in court. The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal will pay for interpreters where required for appellants for in country immigration and asylum proceedings.
	In addition, free quality legal advice and information is available through the community legal service direct telephone line and website. All CLS direct services are available in English and Welsh. The telephone helpline has access to a translator service for alternative languages, and sections of the website are translated into Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Turkish and Urdu. From 31 October 2005, the CDS direct service will be piloted, providing an interpreter service to non-English speaking clients entitled to telephone advice.

Legal Aid

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what research has been commissioned on the reasons for individuals opting to take up legal aid.

Bridget Prentice: No recent research has been commissioned by the Department of Constitutional Affairs or the Legal Services Commission specifically on the reasons for individuals opting to take up legal aid. However, studies tasked with investigating other aspects of the justice system do occasionally include some consideration of the reasons for take-up of legal aid.
	Additionally, the Legal Aid Board—which predated the Legal Services Commission—published a Study into Reasons for Refusal of Offers of Contributory Civil Legal Aid" in 1994.

Magistrates (Merseyside)

Ben Chapman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what progress has been made with the recruitment of magistrates in Merseyside.

Harriet Harman: There is a managed recruitment campaign on Merseyside, aimed at encouraging members of the community to apply for the magistracy.
	During the year ending 31 March 2005, 54 magistrates were recruited across the Merseyside region. Since 1 April this year, 78 magistrates have been recruited.
	We are currently supporting the local advisory committees' plans to recruit a further 235 magistrates. Together, we launched a major press and radio campaign on 15 September 2005. This was supplemented by an open evening at Liverpool magistrates court on 19 October.
	The campaign has so far attracted 569 requests for application packs and the local advisory committees have received a total of 55 completed applications to date.

Unsafe Monuments

Hywel Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs when she will publish guidance to local authorities on unsafe monuments.

Harriet Harman: We recognise the need for consistent guidance which will promote effective practice by burial authorities in dealing with unstable gravestones.
	We have recently reviewed existing guidance by practitioners on this subject. We are now planning discussions with burial authorities and other interested parties over the coming months and, subject to a successful conclusion, we intend to publish guidance.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Animal Welfare Demonstrations

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of policing animal welfare demonstrations in Northern Ireland was in each of the last 25 years.

Shaun Woodward: I am advised that the PSNI finance department does not hold such information on a central financial record/database. Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Antisocial Behaviour

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in Northern Ireland since their introduction, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

David Hanson: Five interim antisocial behaviour orders on application have been granted in Northern Ireland to date; one in the Belfast city council area, two in the Larne borough council area, and two in the Coleraine borough council area. Data are not collected by parliamentary constituency.
	Information on antisocial behaviour orders by conviction is not collected centrally and would be available only at disproportionate cost. It is intended that this information will be captured by the Northern Ireland court service through their Integrated Court Operation System (ICOS) which is due to be rolled out from early next year.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) children and (b) adults in Northern Ireland have been identified as suffering from an autistic spectrum disorder; how this number has changed in the last three years; and how he expects the numbers to change over the next three years.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is not available.

Assets Recovery Agency

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much (a) property and (b) other assets have been (i) frozen and (ii) recovered in Northern Ireland by the Assets Recovery Agency.

Shaun Woodward: The amount of property and other assets frozen and recovered in Northern Ireland by the Assets Recovery Agency is detailed in the following table:
	
		£ million
		
			  Assets frozen Assets recovered Receipts 
		
		
			 March 2003–04 3.1 (13)(5508260014)— (14)0.002 
			 2004–05 3.7 1.4 0.7 
			 2005–06(15) 1.7 0.1 0.4 
		
	
	(13) None
	(14) First full year of operation
	(15) To date

Big Lottery Fund

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the (a) sex and (b) religious breakdown is of the full-time equivalent staff employed in the Big Lottery Fund's Belfast office.

David Hanson: A total of 55 full-time equivalents are currently employed in the Big Lottery Fund's Belfast office, which equates to 57 staff. Of these 44 are female and 13 are male. The religious breakdown of employees is 26 Protestant, 26 Roman Catholic and five who are neither.

Breast Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research has been carried out by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ascertain the success rate in the Province for the treatment of breast cancer.

Shaun Woodward: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety funds the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR), which undertakes a wide range of statistical research into success rates for the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer. It has recently published a major report on breast cancer which is a further significant step in the evaluation of cancer care here—Gavin A, Kinnear H, Fitzpatrick D, Ranaghan L, 2005. Cancer Services Audit 1996 & 2001, Breast. N. Ireland Cancer Registry". In addition, the Research and Development Office (RDO), which is also funded by my Department, established a Cancer Recognised Research Group in 2000–01. This comprises 15 research programmes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancers. A number of individual research projects currently funded by the RDO are specifically related to breast cancer treatment.
	The success rate for the treatment of breast cancer is dependent on a range of factors including the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Latest published figures from NICR, based on persons diagnosed in the period 1996–99, show that the one-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 95.2 per cent. while the five-year relative survival rate is 81.5 per cent. These rates are very good in comparison with other cancers but the fact that survival is already high makes it more difficult to measure improvements over time.

Breast Cancer

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is taking to reduce waiting times for women with breast disease who have been referred to a specialist by their general practitioner; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: In Northern Ireland, patients with suspected breast cancer are expected to be assessed by a specialist within two weeks of urgent referral by their GP. The Department of Health, social services and public safety is working with Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with this target.

Computer Theft

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer to question 19587, what action was taken between 2001 and 2005 in relation to the five cases of computer theft from his Department where all legal proceedings have been completed.

Shaun Woodward: There have been no legal proceedings in relation to the five cases of computer theft.

Consultant Referrals

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many general practitioner referrals to consultants there were in each Northern Ireland health board area in each of the last five years; and what percentage this was of the total number of general practitioner appointments, excluding those that did not attend.

Shaun Woodward: Information is collected on the number of written referral requests from a general practitioner (GP) received by hospitals during the time period. The number of written GP referral requests received by hospitals in each Health Board area in each of the past five years is shown in the following table. Note that 2004–05 data are provisional.
	
		
			 Board which received request 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05(16) 
		
		
			 EHSSB 172,547 176,375 176,700 180,197 185,349 
			 NHSSB 54,617 54,265 57,500 58,619 58,856 
			 SHSSB 59,169 59,202 58,795 59,354 60,276 
			 WHSSB 59,883 59,584 60,547 61,004 61,540 
			 NI total 346,216 349,426 353,542 359,174 366,021 
		
	
	(16) Provisional.
	The number of GP appointments is not available and therefore a percentage cannot be calculated.

Costello Working Group

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  if he will list the dates of minuted meetings held by the Costello Working Group;
	(2)  if he will list the titles of discussion papers commissioned by the Costello Working Group;
	(3)  if he will place in the Library of the House copies of the (a) minutes and (b) discussion papers produced by the Costello Working Group.

Angela Smith: All meetings of the Post-Primary Review Working Group were minuted. The meetings took place on the following dates in 2003; 5, 12, 19/20 June; 2/3 July; 13/14, 28 August; 4/5, 10/11, 18, 29/30 September; 3, 8, 14, 28 October; and 6, 14, 21, 28 November. I have arranged for copies of the published minutes to be placed in the Library.
	At its 5th meeting on 13 and 14 August, the Group asked the secretariat to prepare a discussion paper on the various issues identified at that meeting. A paper entitled Strategic Policy Framework", was considered at the meeting on 28 August. The Working Group did not produce discussion papers.

Departmental Staff

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what training in (a) literacy and (b) numeracy is offered to employees of his Department.

David Hanson: All new recruits to the general grades in the Northern Ireland Office must satisfy a minimum academic standard—two GCSEs or equivalent including English for Grade D2, increasing to five for Grade Dl. Other new employees have to meet different requirements or standards relevant to the specialism of the specific post/grade.
	If any member of staff should ask for help in developing their literacy and numeracy skills the Department would seek to meet the requirement through the Knowledge Programme which includes literacy, numeracy and computer based skills.

Disability Vehicle Stickers

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidelines are in place in Northern Ireland for the issuing of official disability vehicle stickers.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Malcolm McKibbin to Mr. Peter Robinson, dated 31 October 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about what guidelines are in place for the issuing of official disability vehicle stickers. I have been asked to reply as the issue raised falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	I can advise that disabled people are currently automatically entitled to a badge if they:
	receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance;
	receive a War pensioners' Mobility Supplement;
	use a motor vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department;
	are registered blind; or
	have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob.
	There is also a discretionary criterion, assessed by Roads Service (or local authorities in Great Britain), whereby disabled people can receive a badge if they 'have a permanent and substantial disability which means they are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking'. In this case applicants are asked to answer a series of questions to help Roads Service determine whether they are eligible for a badge. Roads Service may also seek supporting information from the applicant's General Practitioner.
	Organisations caring for disabled people meeting one or more of the above criteria may also be able to get their own institutional badge, but this is entirely at Roads Service's/local authorities' discretion.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Disability Vehicle Stickers

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to ensure that those using disabled parking bays in car parks open to the general public in Northern Ireland are drivers with a valid disabled blue badge applicable to the vehicle in question.

Shaun Woodward: The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Gregory Campbell, dated 27 October 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding, what steps are being taken to ensure that those using disabled parking bays in car parks open to the general public in Northern Ireland are drivers with a valid disabled Blue Badge applicable to the vehicle in question.
	I have been asked to reply as these issues fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	Firstly, I should explain that a Blue Badge is issued to a disabled person for their personal use. It does not limit the disabled person to a particular vehicle and can legitimately be used in any vehicle in which the disabled person in question is travelling. When a Blue Badge is displayed on a vehicle, only the serial number and date of expiry are visible to someone making a routine inspection. Other information, such as a photograph of the disabled person and their signature, are not immediately visible.
	The purpose of the Disabled Persons Badge Scheme (the Blue Badge Scheme) is to give disabled people the ability to park on-street, close to the facilities and services they need so as to improve their lifestyle, independence and freedom of choice. The scheme only applies to on-street car parking. A Blue Badge does not entitle the holder to free parking within a Roads Service off-street fee paying public car park. Therefore, there is no monetary benefit to be gained from the improper use of a Blue Badge within a fee paying public car park. For other off-street private car parks, such as shopping centres and multi-storey car parks, badge holders must check the concessions offered, as these can vary widely.
	Responsibility for the enforcement of off-street disabled parking spaces in public car parks currently rests with Roads Service. Article 6 of the Off-Street Parking (NI) Order 2000 prohibits the driver of a vehicle, other than a disabled person's vehicle, to park in a disabled parking space. Contravention of this Article is an offence, and in such circumstances, Roads Service has the power to remove the vehicle or instigate proceedings to prosecute the individual involved.
	However, our experience is that there is not a major difficulty with the misuse of off-street disabled parking spaces. This may be explained by the considerable concessions for Blue Badge holders at on- street parking facilities, including free unlimited parking at on-street 'pay and display' equipment. Other on-street parking concessions also permit a Blue Badge holder to leave their vehicle without time limit in a street where waiting is normally allowed only for limited periods. Blue Badge holders may also, in some areas, leave their vehicle for up to 3 hours on many yellow lines.
	It is therefore our policy to discourage potential offenders and where disabled persons' interests can be protected by persuasion, rather that prosecution, so much the better. To this end when car park attendants discover a vehicle parked in a disabled parking space without having a Blue Badge on display, they place a notice on the vehicle advising the driver that he/she is parked in a space reserved for disabled people. The notice also advises that such parking is an offence that may result in a fine or the vehicle being removed.
	I should also advise that following the PSNI's decision to withdraw from the enforcement of on-street parking restrictions, to enable policing resources to be focused on areas of greater policing priority, DRD has introduced new primary legislation, the Traffic Management (NI) Order 2005. This legislation provides the necessary legislative power to introduce civil enforcement of certain road traffic offences, initially enforcement of parking and waiting prohibitions and restrictions. Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) is likely to become effective in late September/early October 2006.
	Under DPE, traffic attendants will be able to inspect Blue Badges to check for abuse of the system and may issue a Penalty Charge Notice if misuse is suspected. If this happens, Roads Service will write to the holder of the badge and inform them that it has been used inappropriately. Should this happen on a number of occasions Roads Service may withdraw the disabled persons' badge. Vehicles not displaying a Blue Badge, but parked in an on-street disabled parking space, will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Firearms

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) deaths and (b) incidents of serious injury involving legally held firearms, excluding Police Service of Northern Ireland and army firearms, there were in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The Chief Constable has advised me that their Central Statistics Unit and Firearms and Explosives Branch do not hold records or statistics that would enable this question to be answered.

Foster Carers

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many registered foster carers there have been in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

Shaun Woodward: The routine collection of data by the Department on the numbers of registered foster carers in Northern Ireland commenced in 2001. In addition, a figure is available for 1997 from a fostering inspection report published by the Social Services Inspectorate showing that at that time there were 1,380 foster carers in Northern Ireland. The available data are presented in the following table:
	
		Registered foster carers at quarter ending June
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2001 1,137 
			 2002 1,210 
			 2003 1,192 
			 2004 1,248 
			 2005 1,308

Health Authority Finances

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cumulative deficit is for each strategic health authority in the Province; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Strategic health authorities do not exist in Northern Ireland. Their nearest equivalent is Health and Social Services Boards. The four boards are required to achieve at least a financial break-even position each financial year and I can confirm that none of the four has incurred a cumulative deficit.

Invest Northern Ireland

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research he has commissioned on the perceptions of small and medium sized businesses in Northern Ireland of the effectiveness and accessibility of Invest Northern Ireland in the last 12 months.

Angela Smith: Invest NI has not specifically researched the perceptions of the entire small and medium enterprise (SME) business sector in Northern Ireland. In March 2005, however, the agency initiated a Client Satisfaction Survey which focused on its client company base, over 95 per cent. of which comprises businesses falling within the EU definition of a SME. Independent consultants were recruited to carry out this research, which covered all key Invest NI programme areas including Business Improvement, Research and Development and Trade.
	The survey disclosed that clients' participation in Invest NI programmes had increased significantly, generating high levels of client satisfaction. The research also demonstrated high levels of communication taking place between Invest NI and its clients, through face-to-face meetings and a variety of other forms of communication. Client companies also expressed satisfaction with the overall quality of service delivered by their Invest NI client executive.
	The survey identified a number of areas where improvement could usefully be made and Invest NI is actively working to address these as part of its commitment to increase its customer focus and service delivery.

Meningococcal Infection

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many confirmed cases of meningococcal infection there have been in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The number of confirmed cases of meningococcal infection within each Health Board for the last five years is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Health Board 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005(17) 
		
		
			 Eastern 27 22 20 23 16 
			 Northern 27 28 33 18 13 
			 Southern 12 22 18 13 11 
			 Western 15 11 12 16 6 
			 Northern Ireland 81 83 83 70 46 
		
	
	(17) Figures for 2005 are up until the last confirmed case, 26 October 2005.
	Notes:
	1. Information is based on Enhanced Surveillance of Meningococcal Disease.
	2. Figures relate to calendar years.
	Source:
	Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre NI (CDSCNI).

NHS Dentistry

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average waiting time was for access to NHS dental services in Northern Ireland in 2004–05.

Shaun Woodward: The majority of health service dentistry is carried out by general dental practitioners, who are independent contractors. Information on waiting lists for these services is not held centrally.
	Waiting lists are collected for inpatients (both ordinary admissions and day cases) awaiting admission to NHS hospitals and outpatients awaiting their first appointment in an NHS hospital. This information is collected by specialty and by time band. It is therefore not possible to calculate the arithmetic mean (average) length of time waiting. It is, however, possible to identify the median or mid point waiting time band:
	(a) The median waiting time for inpatients who were waiting in the oral surgery or paediatric dentistry specialties at 30 June 2005 was 0–2 months.
	(b) The median waiting time for outpatients who were waiting for their first appointment at 30 June 2005 was 3–5 months in the paediatric dentistry or orthodontics specialties and was 6–8 months in the oral surgery or restorative dentistry specialties.

NICE Guidelines

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the merits of extending National Institute for Healthcare and Clinical Excellence guidelines to Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has assessed National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance and has been developing proposals for applying this guidance in Northern Ireland. I hope to make an announcement shortly on arrangements for implementing the institute's guidance in Northern Ireland.

Parades Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have to date been received for membership of the Parades Commission, broken down by (a) political affiliation, (b) gender and (c) ethnicity; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The Government are committed to ensuring, so far as is practicable, that the Parades Commission is representative of the people of Northern Ireland. The current appointments expire on 31 December. A reappointments process began on 25 July and is on schedule.
	We have received 94 applications for membership of the Parades Commission and 49 applications for the position of chair. We are pleased with the volume and quality of applications received from both sides of the community.
	The process is being run in close co-operation with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). An OCPA independent assessor is one of three panel members sifting and interviewing applicants for both chair and membership.
	As the appointment process is currently ongoing, it is not considered appropriate to reveal the monitoring information at this time.

Paramilitary Groups

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he plans to take to encourage loyalist paramilitary organisations to decommission their weapons.

Shaun Woodward: On 26 September 2005 the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning determined that the IRA had met its commitment to put all its arms beyond use in a manner called for by the legislation. The report recognised that the arms of the loyalist paramilitary groups, as well as other paramilitary organisations, remain to be addressed.
	On 21 September 2005 the Secretary of State announced that David Hanson would be taking the lead on engaging with representatives from the protestant/loyalist communities.
	As well as socio-economic measures, there will continue to be engagement with political representatives of loyalism.
	But be in no doubt, there will continue to be a robust security response to loyalist criminality.
	It is essential that we continue to build upon the encouraging signs reported by the Independent Monitoring Commission in their assessment of 19 October and that all paramilitary groups fully decommission their weapons. We call on all those with influence to help bring this to an early conclusion.

Paramilitary Groups

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of paramilitary-style crimes committed in each month since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement by (a) Loyalist and (b) Republican groups, broken down by category of offence; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The information is not available in exactly the format requested. However, since April 2004 the Independent Monitoring Commission has monitored and reported on paramilitary-style crimes and involvement in organised crime. The Commission has presented seven reports to date with detailed analysis of paramilitary activity.
	In addition, the Police Service of Northern Ireland holds up to date and comprehensive statistical analysis on crime and security in Northern Ireland. The information can be accessed on PSNIs website at www.psni.police.uk

Paramilitary Groups

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many criminal cases were prosecuted against persons linked to (a) Loyalist and (b) Republican paramilitary groups in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: Information on the number of criminal cases prosecuted against persons who are linked to either loyalist or republican paramilitary groups is not collected.
	Details of the number of persons that have been charged with terrorist and serious public order offences, broken down by affiliation, have been collected since April 2003 and are contained in the following table:
	
		Persons charged with terrorist and serious public order offences 2003–04 to 2004–05(18)
		
			  2003–04 2004–05 
			 Type of charge Loyalist Republican Loyalist Republican 
		
		
			 Murder 8 1 3 0 
			 Attempted murder 9 1 2 2 
			 Firearms offences 32 17 27 14 
			 Explosive offences 3 5 0 15 
			 Armed robbery 8 0 1 6 
			 Other(19) 83 63 27 47 
			 Total 143 87 60 84 
		
	
	(18) Statistics include only the most serious offence with which a person is charged and refer to charges brought against a person after the original period of detention (including extensions). Any subsequent changes, additions, deletions to the original charges are not included.
	(19) Other includes hijacking, petrol bomb offences, membership, withholding information, arson and rioting.

Perinatal Mental Illness

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women in Northern Ireland were diagnosed with a perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The information is not collected in the form requested and is therefore not available.

Operation Viper

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  what method the Police Service of Northern Ireland uses when choosing the area to target in a motoring offence operation such as Operation Viper;
	(2)  if he will list the streets and roads in the greater Belfast area used by the Police Service of Northern Ireland during Operation Viper.

Shaun Woodward: The aim of Operation Viper is to reduce the number of road deaths and identify drivers who break the law. Through Operation Viper the Police Service of Northern Ireland target dangerous and careless drivers, motorists travelling with excess speed or without wearing seatbelts and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
	All 12 urban region district command units were patrolled as part of Op. Viper on the most recent occasion. Providing details of the precise areas patrolled would diminish operational effectiveness.

Police

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers from police forces in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales have taken up duties with the police in Northern Ireland in the last three years.

Shaun Woodward: Information held centrally does not disclose what police force officers left to join PSNI. To obtain this information would involve a manual trawl of records held by the PSNI recruitment contractor and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	A total of 54 officers have been recruited on a permanent basis as follows:
	41 officers recruited via recruitment competitions for Constables (50/50) who were from other UK police forces.
	10 Detective Constables were appointed from other UK forces having been successful in a competition run by Consensia in 2003. The purpose of this competition was to address experiential gaps prevailing at that time in the organisation.
	Three officers entered in ranks other than Constable via our nationally advertised promotion competitions. All entered at the rank of Sergeant. All three came from the metropolitan police service.
	In addition six officers have been seconded in this period, including two recently seconded chief inspectors to the historical enquiry team.

Post-primary School Admissions

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was of the recent consultation on new admissions arrangements for post-primary schools.

Angela Smith: The cost of the consultation on new admissions arrangements for post-primary schools to date is £71,971.

Private Security Industry

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made in developing proposals for the regulation of the private security industry in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: Work is under way in developing a permanent regulatory regime for the private security industry in Northern Ireland as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced in his Written Statement to the House on 24 May 2005. We intend to publish proposals for consultation as soon as detailed work has been completed. Meanwhile the industry continues to be regulated under the temporary scheme contained in Schedule 13 to The Terrorism Act 2000.

Public Libraries

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many public libraries were open in each of the education and library board areas in Northern Ireland at the end of 2004; and how many are expected to be open in each board area by the end of 2006.

David Hanson: There were 126 branch libraries in 2004.
	A table showing the comparative breakdown by education and library board is as follows.
	
		
			 Board 31 December 2004 October 2005 
		
		
			 WELB 16 15 
			 SEELB 26 24 
			 BELB 21 21 
			 NEELB 38 29 
			 SELB 25 24 
			 Total 126 113 
		
	
	Currently no decisions have been made to close further libraries.

Education and Library Boards

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many posts were declared redundant in each of the education and library boards in each of the last three years; and how many of these posts were filled again within one year.

Angela Smith: The information provided in the following table is in respect of compulsory and voluntary redundancies for non-teaching staff in each of the education and library boards and includes school based and non-school based staff. I am assured by boards that none of the posts declared redundant was filled again within one year.
	
		Redundancies
		
			  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06(20) 
		
		
			 NEELB 28 38 41 
			 BELB 15 61 49 
			 SELB 16 16 61 
			 WELB 20 21 36 
			 SEELB Not available 50 109 
		
	
	(20) This is the position at 24 October 2005 on redundancies that have been approved by the boards. Boards are still examining the position in regard to further redundancies.

Education and Library Boards

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the total cost of redundancy packages has been in each of the education and library boards in each of the last three years. (21236)

Angela Smith: The information provided in the following table are the costs in respect of compulsory and voluntary redundancies for non-teaching staff in each of the education and library boards and includes school based and non-school based staff. The costs include redundancy pay, compensatory lump sum and actuarial costs. The long term savings for each board as a result of these redundancies will be significantly in excess of the redundancy costs.
	
		Redundancy costs -- £
		
			  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06(21) 
		
		
			 NEELB 28,652 95,022 103,583 
			 BELB 335,000 1,416,000 873,000 
			 SELB 72,265 223,985 841,955 
			 WELB 108,742 316,137 256,567 
			 SEELB 62,635 1,010,384 567,965 
			 Total 607,294 3,061,528 2,643,070 
		
	
	(21) Not all invoices from NILGOSC in respect of actuarial costs for redundancies in 2005–06 have yet been received.

Respiratory Diseases

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on respiratory disease in the NHS in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is not available.

Road Commuting

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his estimate is of the change in commuting time for motorists between Sandyknowes roundabout and Belfast city centre during the morning rush hour period, from 7.45 am to 9.15 am, over the last 10 years.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Malcolm McKibbin to Mr. Gregory Campbell, dated 31 October 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding his estimate of the change in commuting time for motorists between Sandyknowes roundabout and Belfast City Centre during the morning rush hour period, 7.45am to 9.15am, over the last 10 years.
	I have been asked to reply as these issues fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	Roads Service monitors journey time surveys on the strategic routes in Northern Ireland including the routes from Larne to Belfast to Newry (A8, M2, Ml and Al). These surveys commenced in 1996 and the most recent information available is for 2003.
	Unfortunately, we have no journey time information that relates to the specific journey between Sandyknowes and Belfast City Centre. However, a comparison of journey times between Sandyknowes and the Divis Street junction on Westlink would suggest that the average journey time in the morning peak over this section has increased by 2 to 3 minutes between 1996 and 2003.
	This excludes the significant delays experienced by southbound traffic approaching Sandyknowes on the M2. Roads Service acknowledges that these delays are a direct result of capacity restrictions downstream of Sandyknowes where only 2 traffic lanes are available to cater for both mainline M2 traffic and the considerable flow joining the motorway from Sandyknowes roundabout. Consequently we plan to widen the Belfast-bound carriageway of the M2 motorway to create an additional southbound lane between the Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions. This will make it easier for traffic to join the M2 from the Sandyknowes junction, particularly during the morning peak traffic, and also provide greater capacity on the Belfast-bound section of the M2 towards Greencastle. Construction of these improvements on the M2 is expected to start during 2008.
	The £30 million M2 Widening Scheme is one of three schemes forming part of the £100 million Roads Service Design, Build, Finance and Operate Package 1, along with the Ml/Westlink Project and the Antrim Hospital slip roads.
	I can also advise that the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan proposes modifications to the Sandyknowes roundabout to minimise conflicts between different traffic movements and afford greater priority to the strategic M2 and A8 movements. Roads Service is currently investigating various design options.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Robert McCartney

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are investigating the murder of Robert McCartney.

Shaun Woodward: PSNI have confirmed that a team of officers under the leadership of a senior investigating officer are investigating the murder of Robert McCartney. The allocation of police resources is, however, a matter for the Chief Constable.

Secure Training Centres

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many young people have been admitted to hospital from secure training centres in Northern Ireland in each of the last four years.

David Hanson: There are no secure training centres within Northern Ireland. The Juvenile Justice Centre, which houses children aged 10 to 17, records such information on individual children's medical files but does not aggregate the data as there are very few occasions when this happens. The information requested is not therefore held centrally.

Security

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Province.

Shaun Woodward: The security situation is improving. The latest Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) report stated that the initial signs following the Provisional IRA statement were encouraging. However, paramilitaries, especially Loyalists and dissident Republicans, continue to exert a malign influence over communities.
	The Secretary of State published an updated normalisation programme on 1 August. This will be taken forward, provided the enabling environment is maintained.

St. Luke's Hospital

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures have changed in relation to what personal items patients have use of in ward 3 of St. Luke's Hospital, Armagh since the death of Michelle Fitzpatrick on 25 March 2002.

Shaun Woodward: Following this young women's death a multidisciplinary meeting was held to review her care and treatment. A number of recommendations were made including a risk assessment of all identified and possible ligature points and current nursing observation levels in acute and intensive care units. These recommendations were actioned, however there were no specific recommendations in the use of personal items.

Staff Assaults

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what costs were incurred by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety as a result of attacks on fire crews and their vehicles over the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The following tables detail the cost resulting from attacks on fire crews and their vehicles over the last three years.
	
		Cost of injuries to fire fighters as a result of attacks (days lost and ill-health retirements)
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2002 45,583 
			 2003 3,031 
			 2004 4,436 
			 Total 53,050 
		
	
	
		Cost of repair to damaged fire appliances
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2002 2,714 
			 2003 2,047 
			 2004 1,794 
			 Total 6,555 
		
	
	While there has been a year on year reduction in the number of attacks, the safety of fire fighters while carrying out their duties remains of paramount importance. Legislation is being introduced early next year to ensure that the perpetrators of such attacks will be prosecuted. Attacks on fire fighters and their equipment not only puts fire crews at risk, but also reduces their ability to deliver vital services, which may have tragic results for those unfortunate enough to be trapped by fire.

Surplus School Places

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many surplus places there were in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each education and library board area in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2005; and what the projected number of such places is in (A) 2012 and (B) 2015 in each case, broken down by type of school management.

Angela Smith: In the 2000–01 school year, there were an estimated 12,200 surplus places in controlled primary schools and 12,900 surplus places in maintained primary schools. In the 2004–05 school year these figures increased to an estimated 15,800 in both sectors. In 2000–01 in post-primary schools, there were an estimated 6,500 surplus places in controlled schools and 6,900 in maintained schools. In 2004–05 these figures increased to an estimated 7,500 and 8,200 respectively. The following table shows the breakdown of the figures requested by education and library board area. Figures for the 2005–06 school year are not yet available.
	The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency projections indicate that the number of children of compulsory school age is set to decline by a further 30,000 over the next 10 years. The Department's pupil projection figures are only currently available to the period 2011–12 and these indicate that primary school numbers will fall from an estimated 162,200 in 2004–05 to 147,600 in 2011–12, (a reduction of 14,600 pupils) and that post-primary school numbers will fall from an estimated 152,600 to 140,100 in the same period, (a reduction of 12,500 pupils). It is not possible to break down these projected figures by management type. The projected fall in pupil numbers will not necessarily lead to a corresponding increase in surplus places—changes to the schools' estate in the intervening period, through the major capital works programme and as a result of proposals from school authorities for closures or amalgamations should remove a considerable number of surplus places.
	
		Surplus places
		
			   2000–01 2004–05 
			 Board area/ school type Sector Number of schools with surplus places Estimated number of surplus places Number of schools with surplus places Estimated number of surplus places 
		
		
			 Belfast  
			 Primary Controlled 36 3,900 35 5,300 
			  Maintained 33 2,700 27 3,900 
			 Post-primary Controlled 7 1,200 8 1,700 
			  Maintained 16 1,300 15 1,300 
			   
			 North-Eastern  
			 Primary Controlled 56 2,900 44 3,700 
			  Maintained 39 2,500 32 2,700 
			 Post-primary Controlled 15 1,700 18 2,000 
			  Maintained 12 1,900 17 2,200 
			   
			 South-Eastern  
			 Primary Controlled 49 3,400 43 4,300 
			  Maintained 27 1,900 26 2,400 
			 Post-primary Controlled 11 1,300 17 1,800 
			  Maintained 8 600 12 700 
			   
			 Southern  
			 Primary Controlled 37 1,300 32 1,400 
			  Maintained 52 2,100 39 2,600 
			 Post-primary Controlled 17 1,300 16 1,300 
			  Maintained 16 1,500 14 1,700 
			   
			 Western  
			 Primary Controlled 26 700 20 1,100 
			  Maintained 72 3,700 62 4,300 
			 Post-primary Controlled 8 900 6 700 
			  Maintained 24 1,700 27 2,200 
			   
			 Overall totals:  561 38,500 510 47,300 
		
	
	
		Summary
		
			  2000 2004 
			 Totals Number of schools with surplus places Estimated number of surplus places Number of schools with surplus places Estimated number of surplus places 
		
		
			 Primary 
			 Controlled 204 12,200 174 15,800 
			 Maintained 223 12,900 186 15,800 
			 Post-Primary  
			 Controlled 58 6,500 65 7,500 
			 Maintained 76 6,900 85 8,200 
			 Totals 561 38,500 510 47,300

Teacher Training Places

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many teacher training places the Government are funding in teacher training colleges and universities in Northern Ireland in 2005–06; and how many were funded in each of the last three years.

Angela Smith: The total number of funded teacher training enrolments is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2002–03 1922 
			 2003–04 1966 
			 2004–05 1980 
			 2005–06 1961 
		
	
	The number of funded teacher training intakes each year is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2002–03 861 
			 2003–04 836 
			 2004–05 830 
			 2005–06 796

Unemployment Statistics

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many economically inactive people in Northern Ireland have been recorded as wanting to work in each quarter since 1995.

Angela Smith: The number of economically inactive people recorded as wanting work in each quarter since spring 1995 is shown in Table 1.
	
		Table l: Economically inactive people that want work (1995–2005)
		
			 Quarter Economically inactive who want work (000) 
		
		
			 1995  
			 Spring 68 
			 Summer 69 
			 Autumn 62 
			 Winter 57 
			 1996  
			 Spring 57 
			 Summer 60 
			 Autumn 59 
			 Winter 62 
			 1997  
			 Spring 59 
			 Summer 58 
			 Autumn 58 
			 Winter 64 
			 1998  
			 Spring 38 
			 Summer 46 
			 Autumn 55 
			 Winter 63 
			 1999  
			 Spring 67 
			 Summer 64 
			 Autumn 62 
			 Winter 64 
			 2000  
			 Spring 63 
			 Summer 65 
			 Autumn 56 
			 Winter 56 
			 2001  
			 Spring 59 
			 Summer 61 
			 Autumn 61 
			 Winter 57 
			 2002  
			 Spring 58 
			 Summer 59 
			 Autumn 49 
			 Winter 48 
			 2003  
			 Spring 54 
			 Summer 59 
			 Autumn 55 
			 Winter 47 
			 2004  
			 Spring 50 
			 Summer 46 
			 Autumn 38 
			 Winter 37 
			 2005  
			 Spring 40 
			 Summer 34 
		
	
	Source:
	NI Labour Force Survey

Unemployment Statistics

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the level of youth unemployment was in each of the Westminster constituencies in the Province in each of the last three years.

Angela Smith: The labour force survey (LFS) is the preferred source of statistics on unemployment, however, it can not be used to provide estimates of youth unemployment at parliamentary constituency level, as the LFS sample size is not large enough to produce reliable estimates of groups that are small in number.
	However, average youth unemployment levels from the claimant count in each of the Westminster constituencies in Northern Ireland in each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 (to September) are provided in the following table.
	
		
			 Parliamentary constituency 2002 2003 2004 2005(22) 
		
		
			 Belfast East 385 425 395 340 
			 Belfast North 810 775 695 780 
			 Belfast South 655 625 505 500 
			 Belfast West 1,285 1,145 1,095 1,160 
			 East Antrim 585 545 520 495 
			 East Londonderry 560 540 535 545 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 535 490 370 320 
			 Foyle 1,385 1,325 1,265 1,215 
			 Lagan Valley 310 325 285 290 
			 Mid Ulster 345 295 255 270 
			 Newry and Armagh 645 625 500 455 
			 North Antrim 500 420 405 435 
			 North Down 350 370 325 320 
			 South Antrim 420 395 310 350 
			 South Down 565 560 460 435 
			 Strangford 365 420 400 410 
			 Upper Bann 475 495 415 420 
			 West Tyrone 680 675 605 600 
		
	
	(22) January to September.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Administration Costs

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative costs were of (a) the Sector Skills Development Agency, (b) the Learning and Skills Council, (c) Investors in People and (d) learndirect in the latest year for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: The latest year for which the figures on administrative costs are available is 2004–05. The figures are subject to the usual confirmation through the external audit of accounts with the exception of the Sector Skills Development Agency and Investors in People UK where the figure is final and derived from their audited accounts.
	
		
			  2004–05 administrative costs (£000) 
		
		
			 Sector Skills Development Agency 5,824 
			 Learning and Skills Council 241,047 
			 Investors in People UK 2,495 
			 Ufl Ltd.(23) 25,213 
		
	
	(23) Ufl Ltd. operates the learndirect/UK online network and services. As part of the efficiency savings being delivered as a result of the Gershon Review each of these bodies is committed to achieving 15 per cent. efficiency savings by 2007–08. In particular the LSC has announced a major transformation programme and as a result estimate savings of up to £40 million by 2007–08.

A-level Examiners

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 334W, on A-level examiners, what qualifications are required in order to become an examiner at A-level; and how many qualified A-level examiners were employed (a) in 2005 and (b) in each year since 1996.

Jacqui Smith: A-level examiners are employed by the awarding bodies. The awarding bodies have a duty to fulfil the obligations placed upon them by the exams regulators' code of practice.
	The code of practice states that candidates work should be marked by 'suitably experienced and trained' examiners. The code also requires stringent training, sampling and monitoring of markers performance. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is the regulatory body in England responsible for ensuring that awarding bodies fulfil their obligations.
	No data are collated by the Department on the number of A-level examiners contracted by the awarding bodies. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Attainment Standards

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the effect of the city academies on standards; and how standards are measured.

Jacqui Smith: The Department has commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake an independent five-year evaluation of the Academies Programme, reporting finally in September 2007. The Second Annual Report from this evaluation, published in June, demonstrated that academies have made a significant difference to the teaching and learning culture from their predecessors. Provisional GCSE examination results data show a strong performance, with the average academy improving at 5 per cent. per year of opening, five academies improving by over 20 per cent. since opening and an overall improvement rate of at least 6.6 per cent. this year. At key stage 3, the rate of increase in pupils gaining level 5+ between 2004 and 2005 is higher in each subject than schools nationally.
	Standards in academies are measured through inspections by Ofsted and by our own education advisers. Ofsted have conducted 13 monitoring visits to academies, finding that five academies were making good progress and most were making at least satisfactory progress. In addition, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell said in August about standards in academies that
	in some cases, what has been achieved in a short time is nothing less than remarkable."

Basic Qualification

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of 19-year-olds in England are without a basic qualification.

Bill Rammell: From the autumn 2004 Labour Force Survey we estimate that 7.9 per cent. and 142,800 19 to 21-year-olds in England had no qualifications.

Building Schools for the Future

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what plans she has to implement the Building Schools for the Future programme for (a) primary and (b) comprehensive schools in Hartlepool constituency;
	(2)  what scope there is for sixth form colleges to undertake capital building projects as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Jacqui Smith: Building Schools for the Future (BSF) aims to renew all secondary schools of any category in England in the next 15 years. Investment is prioritised on social and educational need, and we have informed Hartlepool of our ambition that it should enter the programme in waves four to six, which should be by 2011 at the latest.
	BSF does not support investment in primary schools or sixth form colleges, for which other funding is available. In the March budget, the Chancellor announced additional funding of £150 million for primary schools from 2008–09, rising to £500 million by 2009–10, with the aim that at least half of all primary schools will be renewed in the next 15 years. I aim to announce further details of this programme later this year.
	Sixth form colleges are funded through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). From 2006–07, there is a new joint schools and LSC budget for investment in post-16 provision, which will be administered by the LSC. This reaches £180 million by 2007–08, including £100 million from schools capital. The Chancellor's Budget statement also strengthened the government's commitment to the further education sector by announcing new capital funding of £100 million for the sector in 2008–08, rising to £250 million in 2009–10.

CAFCASS

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many staff have been employed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in each year since its foundation.

Maria Eagle: This is a matter for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). Anthony Douglas, the CAFCASS chief executive, will write to the hon. Member with this information and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.

CAFCASS

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of current (a) public and (b) private cases remained unallocated to Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service officers for 10 weeks or longer.

Maria Eagle: This is a matter for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). Anthony Douglas, the CAFCASS chief executive, will write to the hon. Member with this information and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.

Child Abuse

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how much public funding has been allocated to public education campaigns to prevent child abuse in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what plans she has for public education campaigns to prevent child abuse;
	(3)  what studies have been commissioned by her Department to assess the effectiveness of public education campaigns to prevent child abuse since 1997.

Maria Eagle: The Department for Education and Skills has not engaged in any public education campaigns since taking responsibility for children's safeguards and welfare in 2003. We have no current plans to run any such campaigns. Our principal role is in increasing awareness of child abuse among people who work with children. We work closely on this with the NSPCC, ChildLine and a wide range of other voluntary organisations.
	The Government's guidance documents Working Together to Safeguard Children (1999), What to do if you you're worried a child is being abused", and most recently Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004" set out the roles and responsibilities of practitioners who work with children, and of a wide range of organisations, to promote children's welfare and safeguard them from harm. The Government plan to publish an updated version of Working Together" later this year.
	The Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme" aims to put in place a national framework to support the joining up of services so that every child can achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes. As part of this, Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) will be established from April 2006 with the objective of co-ordinating and ensuring the effectiveness of key local agencies in their work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Government are proposing in draft regulations and guidance that LSCBs should have a function of communicating the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area and raising awareness of how this can best be done.
	Funding support for voluntary organisations has been provided under the Safeguarding Children and Supporting Families grant scheme and from April 2006, this will be available from its successor programme, the Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme. This new funding programme will support the Every Child Matters outcomes for children.
	The Government have not commissioned any studies to assess the effectiveness of public education campaigns.

Child Abuse

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will fund public awareness campaigns aimed at ensuring that all adults are informed about what to do if they are concerned that a child is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Maria Eagle: The Department for Education and Skills has no current plans to run any public information campaigns. Our principal role is in increasing awareness of child abuse among people who work with children. We work closely on this with the NSPCC, ChildLine and a wide range of other voluntary organisations.
	The Government's guidance documents Working Together to Safeguard Children (1999), What to do if you you're worried a child is being abused", and most recently Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004" set out the roles and responsibilities of practitioners who work with children, and of a wide range of organisations, to promote children's welfare and safeguard them from harm. The Government plan to publish an updated version of Working Together" later this year.
	Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) will be established from April 2006 with the objective of co-ordinating and ensuring the effectiveness of key local agencies in their work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Government are proposing in draft regulations and guidance that LSCBs should have a function of communicating the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area and raising awareness of how this can best be done.
	Funding support for voluntary organisations has been provided under the Safeguarding Children and Supporting Families grant scheme and from April 2006, this will be available from its successor programme, the Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme. This new funding programme will support the Every Child Matters outcomes for children.

Child Care

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding has been spent on under-three years (a) education and (b) child care in each of the last 20 years in real terms.

Beverley Hughes: We are unable to provide figures for years before 1993/94 other than at disproportionate cost. We are also unable to disaggregate spending for children aged under three years old from spending on early years and child care more generally.
	The Government have invested over £17 billion on early years and child care services in England since 1997 (including Under 5s Sub Block funding to local authorities which includes support for free early education for 3 and 4-year-olds), as part of an unprecedented expansion of provision for young children and families. Details of Department for Education and Skills (and, for previous years, the Department for Education and Employment) funding on early years and child care since 1993/94 are as shown in the following table:
	
		Overall funding of Sure Start, early years and child care, 1993–94 to 2004–05
		
			  Total expenditure Sure Start local programmes and children's centres Child care Under 5s(24) Nursery education(25) Extended schools(26) Nursery education (Under 5s sub block) 
		
		
			 1993–94 3 — 2 1 — — — 
			 1994–95 12 — 11 1 — — — 
			 1995–96 18 — 17 1 — — — 
			 1996–97 30 — 21 9 — — — 
			 1997–98 641 — 4 637 — — — 
			 1998–99 179 — 134 45 — — — 
			 1999–2000 213 7 56 — 150 — — 
			 2000–01 368 56 65 — 247 n/a 1,300 
			 2001–02 467 134 109 — 224 n/a 1,500 
			 2002–03 680 216 158 — 306 n/a 1,600 
			 2003–04 720 365 340 — — 15 2,600 
			 2004–05 958 597 330 — — 31 2,700 
		
	
	(24) £527 million for nursery vouchers was transferred into central Government spending in 1997–98 and returned to local government from 1998–99.
	(25) From 2003–04 Nursery education was included in the Standard Spending Assessment, and paid through the Under 5s Sub Block (see far right column)
	(26) Extended Schools Funding from the Sure Start ringfenced budgets included in child care to 2004–05, separated in funding plans.

Children's Service Directors

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list local authorities which have not yet appointed a director of children's services.

Maria Eagle: The Children Act 2004 requires all top tier or unitary local authorities to appoint a Director of Children's Services (DCS).
	It is expected that most authorities will have appointed a DCS by 2006 and all by 2008 . So far 126 authorities have reported that they have appointed a DCS, of whom some 20 are designate or interim.
	To the best of our knowledge the following authorities have yet to appoint a DCS:
	Barking and Dagenham
	Bedfordshire
	Bradford
	Bromley
	Coventry
	Croydon
	Derby
	Devon
	Durham
	Greenwich
	Hackney
	Hammersmith and Fulham
	Havering
	Kensington and Chelsea
	Kirklees
	Leeds
	Leicester City
	North Lincolnshire
	Nottinghamshire
	Wakefield
	Waltham Forest
	Wandsworth
	Warwickshire
	Windsor and Maidenhead.

Departmental Initiatives

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of her Department's budget has been spent on targeted initiatives such as Respect and Aim Higher in each of the last five years.

Bill Rammell: The amount of money spent on Aim Higher in each of the last five years is set out in the following table:
	
		Table 1: Aim Higher spending -- £ millions
		
			  Amount spent on initiative 
		
		
			 2000–01 0 
			 2001–02 50 
			 2002–03 69.5 
			 2003–04 73 
			 2004–05 126 
		
	
	Note:
	The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) ran and funded a separate university outreach programme until August 2004, 'Partnerships for Progression'. From August 2004, HEFCE and LSC funding is included in the above figures as the programme merged with Aim Higher.
	The budget for Respect has not yet been allocated. For information on other programmes and on overall departmental spending I refer the hon. Member to the departmental annual report (Cm 6522).

Counselling

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much has been spent on counselling services provided in schools in (a) England, (b) the Tees Valley and (c) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: My Department does not collect this information.

Departmental Policies

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency, the effects in Gateshead, East and Washington, West of changes to her Department's policies since 1997.

Maria Eagle: The Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency lies within Gateshead local authority. The most recent key stage 2 and GCSE and equivalents results information for pupils attending schools in Gateshead, East and Washington, West are given in the following tables:
	
		Key stage 2 results of 11-year-old pupils attending schools in the Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency
		
			 Percentage of pupils gaining level 4 and above 1997 2004 2005 (Provisional) Percentage point improvement 1997 to 2004 
		
		
			 Gateshead, East and Washington, West—English(27) 59 78 n/a 19 
			 Gateshead, East and Washington, West—Maths(27) 61 77 n/a 16 
			 National Average—English(28) 63 78 79 15 
			 National Average—Maths(28) 61 74 75 13 
		
	
	(27) Pupils attending schools in Gateshead East and Washington West constituency.
	(28) The average for all schools in England (including independent schools).
	
		GCSE and equivalents(29) results of 15–year-old pupils(30) attending schools in the Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency
		
			 Percentage of 15-year-olds gaining 1997 2004 2005 (Provisional) Percentage point improvement 1997–2004 
		
		
			 Gateshead, East and Washington, West—5+A*-C 25.4 51.4 n/a 26.0 
			 Gateshead, East and Washington, West—5+A*-G 76.0 86.2 n/a 10.2 
			 National Average—5+A*-C 45.1 53.7 55.7 8.6 
			 National Average—5+A*-G 87.0 88.8 88.9 1.8 
		
	
	(29) From 2004 results incorporate GCSEs, GNVQs and a wide range of other qualifications approved pre-16. Prior to 2004 results are based on GCSEs and GNVQs only.
	(30) As standard the results reported relate to pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year i.e. 31 August and therefore reaching the end of compulsory education at the end of the school year.
	At national level, standards have improved across all key stages. The Primary and key stage 3 National Strategies, together with the measures we have taken to help schools in the toughest areas are continuing to deliver better results.
	Further information by constituency, is provided within the Department's 'In Your Area' website available at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/inyourarea. Where information is not available at the constituency level it has been provided at local authority level.
	This website allows users to access key facts and local information about education and skills based on postcodes. The data available within the site offers comparisons between 1997 and the latest available year and covers five geographies. These are parliamentary constituency, ward, local authority district, local authority and Government office region. England figures are also provided.
	The information available within the website is grouped in a number of broad categories including Literacy and Numeracy at age 11, Literacy and Numeracy at age 14, GCSE and equivalent results, Pupils with Special Educational Needs, School Initiatives, School Workforce, School Funding and Resources, Children's Social Services, Early Years, Class Sizes, Post 16, Higher Education and Adult Education.
	Additional information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, my Department is investigating ways in which we can disseminate more information about the effects of our policies at a local level. The 'In Your Area' website will be further developed over the coming months to include additional information about Adult Education, School Funding, School Initiatives, School Performance, School Workforce and Post 16.

Departmental Staff

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the rates of employee absence in her Department have been in each year since 1997.

Maria Eagle: My Department remains committed to managing sickness absence effectively and to putting in place the recommendations of the recently published report Managing Sickness Absence in the Public Sector11.
	I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the figures contained in the annual report Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service" published by the Cabinet Office. Table A of the report gives details of both the average working days absence per staff year and the number of staff years on which that calculation is based. The most recent report is for the calendar year 2003 and was announced by Ministerial Statement on 1 November and copies placed in the Libraries of the House. Reports for 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are also available in the Library and on the Cabinet Office website at: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management of the civil service/conditions of service/occupational health/publications/index.asp.

Disability Discrimination

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what monitoring she is undertaking of the progress of universities and colleges in making reasonable adaptations to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Bill Rammell: My Department does not directly monitor the progress of universities and colleges in making reasonable adaptations. Universities are autonomous bodies and it is for them to ensure that they are complying with the Act. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) assists HEIs to meet legislative requirements, spreads good practice and helps institutions to improve access and provision for disabled people. It has distributed project capital funding specifically to help institutions meet their duties under the Act, amounting to £173 million, and all institutions have submitted plans to HEFCE concerning their use of this funding. HEFCE has also provided funding to widen access and improve provision for disabled students in HEIs and directly funded FECs. In 2004–05 over £12 million was distributed.
	Performance indicators on the participation of students in receipt of the Disabled Students Allowance have been published since 2002. The latest indicators are published on the website of the Higher Education Statistics Agency (http://www.hesa.ac.uk/pi/). The Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) also publishes data on participation of disabled students in higher education (http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lgm/divers/eostudent.xls).
	The Learning and Skills Council monitors the quality of all aspects of provision in further education colleges, including the extent to which college premises are accessible to disabled learners. Since July 2001 the LSC has approved funding to enable colleges to undertake adaptations that will help them comply with the Act. So far over £160 million has been made available. All colleges have made or are making adaptations, or have plans in hand.

Dyslexia

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding has been allocated to providing personal computers for dyslexic students studying at universities in England in each year since 1999.

Bill Rammell: The HE sector has received significant levels of capital funding for learning, teaching and IT since 1998–99. Within this there has been some explicit funding for students with special needs; most of this is used for modifying buildings to meet disability legislation requirements, but some will have been used for equipment, including computers for dyslexic students.
	It is a matter for the institutions to determine the best use of such funding.

Education (Kingston and Surbiton)

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of the working age population in Kingston and Surbiton constituency hold a qualification (a) at degree level and (b) above degree level.

Bill Rammell: The following table shows analysis of the qualification levels of the working age population in the parliamentary constituency of Kingston and Surbiton at (a) degree level (level 4) and (b) above degree level (level 5). This is presented alongside data for England for comparison. Data comes from the Local Labour Force Survey for 2004–05.
	
		Percentage
		
			 Qualification level Kingston and Surbiton England 
		
		
			 Above degree level (level 5) 10.0 5.3 
			 Degree level (level 4) 27.5 20.8

Education (Kingston and Surbiton)

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils attend each (a) primary school, (b) secondary school and (c) special needs school in Kingston and Surbiton constituency.

Jacqui Smith: The requested information is given in the table.
	
		Maintained primary, secondary and all special schools(31): Number of pupils(32) as at January 2005—Kingston and Surbiton Parliamentary Constituency
		
			  Number of pupils 
			 URN LEA number DfES number Establishment name School type Headcount Full-time equivalent 
		
		
			 102563 314 2000 Buckland Infant and Nursery School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 345 290.0 
			 102564 314 2001 Burlington Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 368 368.0 
			 102565 314 2002 Burlington Infant and Nursery School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 366 298.5 
			 102566 314 2003 Moor Lane Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 316 316.0 
			 102568 314 2005 Ellingham Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 231 218.5 
			 102570 314 2012 Knollmead Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 257 232.0 
			 102574 314 2024 Tolworth Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 335 335.0 
			 102575 314 2025 Tolworth Infant School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 297 271.0 
			 102577 314 2030 Maple Infants School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 230 197.5 
			 102579 314 2032 King Athelstan Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 214 199.5 
			 102580 314 2033 Grand Avenue Primary and Nursery School Infant and Junior School 5–11 468 442.0 
			 102581 314 2034 Maiden Manor Primary and Nursery School Infant and Junior School 5–11 413 389.0 
			 102582 314 2035 The Mount Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 461 428.5 
			 102583 314 2036 Lovelace Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 425 400.0 
			 102586 314 3302 Christ Church CofE Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 391 391.0 
			 102587 314 3303 Maiden Parochial CofE Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 239 226.0 
			 102588 314 3304 St. Andrew's and St. Mark's CofE Junior  School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 226 226.0 
			 102589 314 3305 St. John's CofE Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 247 220.0 
			 102590 314 3308 St. Paul's CofE Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 214 214.0 
			 102592 314 3310 St. Matthew's CofE Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 272 270.0 
			 102593 314 3311 St. Mary's CofE Aided Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 234 215.0 
			 102595 314 3501 Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 464 464.0 
			 102596 314 3502 St. Joseph's RC Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 202 184.0 
			 102599 314 4006 Chessington Community College Modern School 752 748.0 
			 102600 314 5404 The Hollyfield School and Centre for  Continuing Education Comprehensive all-through 11–18 1,032 1,032.0 
			 102601 314 4009 Southborough School Modern School 780 780.0 
			 102603 314 4011 Tolworth Girls' School and Centre for  Continuing Education Modern School 1,396 1,396.0 
			 102605 314 5400 Tiffin School Grammar School 1,064 1,064.0 
			 102606 314 5401 Richard Challoner School Modern School 803 803.0 
			 102607 314 5402 The Holy Cross School Other Secondary School 898 898.0 
			 102608 314 5403 Beverley School Modern School 512 512.0 
			 102621 314 5950 Bedelsford School Special (Maintained Day) 55 52.5 
			 102622 314 7001 St. Philip's School Special (Maintained Day) 112 112.0 
			 102623 314 7002 Dysart School Special (Maintained Day) 63 63.0 
		
	
	(31) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(32) Excludes dually registered pupils.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census

Education (Braintree)

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils attend each (a) primary school, (b) secondary school and (c) special needs school in Braintree constituency.

Jacqui Smith: The requested information is shown in the following table.
	
		Maintained primary, secondary and all special schools(33): number of pupils(34)As at January 2005: Braintree parliamentary constituency
		
			  Number of pupils 
			 URN LEA number DfES number Establishment name School type Headcount Full-time equivalent 
		
		
			 114727 881 2036 Gosfield Community Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 145 141.5 
			 114794 881 2134 Beckers Green Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 284 281.0 
			 114809 881 2250 Bocking Church Street Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 188 188.0 
			 114818 881 2300 John Bunyan Infant School and Nursery Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 211 185.0 
			 114827 881 2330 Chipping Hill Infant School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 103 99.5 
			 114828 881 2350 Silver End Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 271 271.0 
			 114829 881 2360 Templars Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 287 287.0 
			 114832 881 2370 Cressing Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 131 131.0 
			 114835 881 2380 Great Bardfield Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 151 151.0 
			 114842 881 2410 Rayne Primary and Nursery School Infant and Junior School 5–11 297 280.5 
			 114844 881 2420 Shalford Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 80 80.0 
			 114941 881 2669 John Ray Infant School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 275 259.0 
			 114944 881 2679 Powers Hall Infant School Designated Nursery and Speech and Language Unit Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 229 197.5 
			 114951 881 5276 The Howbridge Infant School, Witham Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 234 223.0 
			 114957 881 2699 Powers Hall Junior School and Speech and Language Unit Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 315 315.0 
			 114974 881 2737 Hatfield Peverel Infant School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 176 176.0 
			 114983 881 2757 Elm Hall Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 90 90.0 
			 114984 881 2759 Great Bradfords Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 401 401.0 
			 114988 881 2767 White Court Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 560 546.5 
			 114989 881 2769 Great Bradfords Infant and Nursery School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 327 273.5 
			 115007 881 2810 John Bunyan Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 260 260.0 
			 115028 881 2880 John Ray Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 346 346.0 
			 115036 881 2900 Templars Infant and Nursery School Infant School 5–7 or 5–8 165 144.0 
			 115102 881 5279 Hatfield Peverel St. Andrew's Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 238 238.0 
			 115104 881 3204 Howbridge C of E (V.C.) Junior School Junior School 7–11 or 8–11 324 324.0 
			 115105 881 3205 Rivenhall Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 102 102.0 
			 115106 881 3207 Feering Church of England Controlled Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 162 162.0 
			 115107 881 3208 Finchingfield Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 65 65.0 
			 115108 881 3209 St. Peter's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Coggeshall Infant and Junior School 5–11 262 262.0 
			 115109 881 3211 Kelvedon St. Mary's Church of England Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 388 388.0 
			 115110 881 3212 Wethersfield Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 66 66.0 
			 115111 881 3213 White Notley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 100 97.5 
			 115157 881 3440 St. Michael's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 403 395.5 
			 115162 881 3460 Stisted Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 103 103.0 
			 115166 881 3470 Terling Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 93 93.0 
			 115194 881 3790 St. Francis Catholic Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 196 196.0 
			 115199 881 3813 Holy Family Catholic Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 204 203.5 
			 115221 881 4350 Alec Hunter High School Comprehensive all-through 11–16 835 835.0 
			 115226 881 4400 The Honywood Community School Comprehensive all-through 11–16 910 910.0 
			 115227 881 4420 Notley High School Comprehensive all-through 11–16 1,253 1,253.0 
			 115231 881 4470 Tabor High School Comprehensive all-through 11–16 1,049 1,049.0 
			 115312 881 5272 Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery Infant and Junior School 5–11 368 368.0 
			 115328 881 5412 The Rickstones School Comprehensive all-through 11–18 781 781.0 
			 115367 881 5451 The John Bramston School Comprehensive all-through 11–18 1,152 1,152.0 
			 115446 881 7013 Southview School Special (Maintained Day) 45 45.0 
			 115464 881 7048 The Edith Borthwick School Special (Maintained Day) 158 158.0 
			 131207 881 2080 Lyons Hall Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 504 504.0 
			 132020 881 2000 Notley Green Primary School Infant and Junior School 5–11 342 330.5 
		
	
	(33) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(34) Excludes dually registered pupils.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census

Education Maintenance Allowance

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what is the predicted budget for education maintenance allowance payments in 2005–06 is; and what proportion of post-16 students are in receipt of this allowance.

Maria Eagle: holding answer 27 October 2005
	The current budget for education maintenance allowance (EMA) payments in the financial year 2005–06 is £403 million. However EMA is a demand-led programme which is funded through Annually Managed Expenditure by HM Treasury so final provision may be different.
	For the academic year 2005/06, we estimate around 55 per cent. of students will be eligible for EMA on income grounds. We estimate this to be some 465,000 young people. This includes unwaged trainees on work-based learning programmes funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). From April 2006, unwaged trainees, and their parents/carers, will receive the same package of financial support as is currently available to those who stay on in full-time education, i.e. EMA, child benefit, child tax credit and other related benefits.
	So far, the national EMA scheme has been rolled out to 16 and 17-year-olds. However, in pilot areas EMA is also available to those aged 18. The national scheme will be rolled out to 18-year-olds in September 2006. Unwaged trainees aged 16–19 will be eligible from April 2006.

Further Education

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans the Department has to change the level of funding allocated to further education in (a) Coventry and (b) England.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 24 October 2005
	On 21 October, I made an announcement, setting out the Government's strategic direction for the learning and skills sector for the coming period. My main purpose for doing so was to ensure the 2006/07 funding allocations process began with a clear and concise message on the principles that will underpin funding over the next two years.
	In addition, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) published 'Priorities for Success'—a document that sets out the funding strategy for the next two years in more detail. This document is available on the LSC's website.
	Although more funding will be going into the sector, we will focus funding even more strongly on key priorities of raising participation and achievement 14–19 and driving down the skills deficit in the adult work force. This will mean that less provision outside these priority areas can be supported at previous levels, and that there has to be a new balance of responsibilities between Government, employers and learners to achieve this.
	The Chancellor announced in the 2004 Spending Review settlement for education and skills in April 2004, that there will be over £1 billion of additional investment in the learning and skills sector by 2007–08. We will not know what this will mean for regional and local budgets until allocations are made by the National LSC Office, following receipt of the grant letter from my Department.

Further Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding will be allocated to the learner support funds in further education in (a) 2005–06 and (b) 2006–07; and if she will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is funded by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) through an annual Grant Letter that sets out the LSC's key priorities. The operational delivery of individual programmes, taking account of these priorities and the funding made available by the Department, is a matter for the LSC.
	The table details the LSC's allocations for learner support funding in 2005–06, and the amount the Department will make available to the LSC for learner support funding in 2006–07. All amounts are rounded to the nearest £1 million, and totals exclude expected receipts on the CDL programme.
	
		£ million
		
			 Name of programme 2005–06 2006–07 
		
		
			 The Learner Support Fund(35) 122 125 
			 Care 2 Learn 23 23 
			 Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)(36) 403 511 
			 Dance and Drama Awards 14 14 
			 Adult Learning Grant 14 19 
			 Career Development Loans (CDLs)(37) 20 19 
			 Total 596 711 
		
	
	(35) The Learner Support Fund provides support with hardship funds (e.g. for books or equipment), transport funds, residential bursaries (to support students who need to live away from home), and support with child care costs for those aged 19 and over.
	(36) EMA is an incentive payment that encourages school leavers to stay on in non advanced full-time education. It is not intended to support the living costs of young people and/or their parents or carers. EMA is funded through HM Treasury's Annual Managed Expenditure (AME), whereas the rest of learner support funding is within the DfES Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL).
	(37) Distribution of resources for CDLs reflects planned expenditure on development work signalled in the first Skills Strategy White Paper.

Further Education

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students who attended secondary school in the last 10 years in (a) Romford, (b) Havering, (c) Essex and (d) Greater London (i) completed and (ii) did not complete a university degree.

Bill Rammell: This information is not held centrally. The Higher Education Funding Council for England have published figures showing the proportion of young people in each local area who go on to higher education, available at www.hefce.ac.uk. but this does not indicate whether or not they obtained a degree. Figures published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency for 2002/03 show that 78.1 per cent. of UK domiciled full-time first degree students at English higher education institutions were expected to gain a degree, 1.7 per cent. to gain a higher education qualification other than a degree, 6.1 per cent. were expected to transfer to another institution, and 13.9 per cent. were expected to neither obtain a qualification nor transfer.

Further Education

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students who attended secondary school in the last 10 years in (a) Romford, (b) Havering, (c) Essex and (d) Greater London (i) sat and (ii) did not sit A-levels.

Jacqui Smith: The number of 16 to 18-year-old A-Level candidates 1 (1996–2005) in maintained schools and colleges 2 has been provided in the following table.
	1 16 to 18-year-old students who took at least one GCE/VCE A-Level or VCE Double Award in the year in question. Ages are taken at the start of the academic year, i.e. 31 August.
	2 Regional figures are provided for the maintained sector only (LA maintained schools, CTCs and FE sector colleges).
	
		
			  Romford Havering Essex Greater London 
		
		
			 1996 634 1,138 6,213 22,887 
			 1997 676 1,234 6,691 24,497 
			 1998 867 1,441 7,957 29,488 
			 1999 844 1,443 8,133 29,913 
			 2000 789 1,435 8,138 30,783 
			 2001 769 1,400 8,058 30,355 
			 2002 665 1,260 8,114 30,529 
			 2003 785 1,548 8,323 31,817 
			 2004 819 1,419 7.975 32,473 
			 2005 789 1,509 7,925 34,878 
		
	
	The number of 16 to 18-year-old students who did not take A-Levels is not available.

Further Education

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students who attended secondary school in the last 10 years in (a) Romford, (b) Havering, (c) Essex and (d) Greater London (i) completed and (ii) did not complete any form of education higher than GCSE level.

Jacqui Smith: The information is not available in the exact format requested. In February 2005 a Statistical First Release (SFR) on attainment by age 19 was published. For the first time, that SFR used matched administrative data. So, data are only available for one year, 2004. Local Learning and Skills Council area is the lowest available geography.
	The table shows the number of people aged 19 in 2004 who had attained level 3 in the particular location. Of course, they may have been in secondary school in a different location. For that reason, estimating those who do not have a level 3 qualification is difficult. For illustration, the table includes the number of pupils who were aged 14 in 1999–2000—and would therefore be 19 in 2004.
	
		
			   Local LSC  Aged 19 in 2004 attained level 3 Population aged 14 in 1999–2000—therefore 19 in 2004 
		
		
			 Essex 8,300 19,100 
			 London North 5,900 12,400 
			 London West 7,200 15,800 
			 London Central 5,500 12,600 
			 London East 8,000 23,800 
			 London South 8,400 15,500

Further Education

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the time remaining for preparation between each further education college in West Yorkshire being informed of its funding allocation for 2005/06 and the beginning of the 2005/06 academic year.

Bill Rammell: Further Education allocations to colleges are an important part of the Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) business cycle. This process starts with my Department's annual grant letter to the LSC in November which enables the LSC to plan regional priorities and budgets. Local LSCs begin their planning dialogue with colleges and providers in December and in January colleges are provided with indicative (provisional) allocations for the following funding year beginning 1 August. Local, regional and national plans have to be reconciled and the LSC expect to sign off individual college plans in April. Final allocations for colleges are then confirmed in May. This timetable was followed for the 2005/06 funding year.
	My Department has already agreed with the LSC our funding priorities for 2006/07 and colleges have been advised of these through a letter from me and through the LSC's 'Priorities for Success' document which was published on 21 October. This also confirms the allocations timetable for next year. I expect this earlier notification of funding priorities and the dialogue between colleges and the LSC which can now begin will lead to less uncertainty in the period up to confirmation of college allocations for 2006/07 in May 2006.
	I am satisfied that the LSC's management of this complex process is a proper balance between their obligation to meet the Government's priorities and ensuring colleges can effectively deploy public resources.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made, in terms of (a) headcount reductions and (b) cost savings, in achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Bill Rammell: Progress was reported in Budget 2005 and in the departmental annual report. Further progress will be reported in the autumn performance report and at an aggregate level in the pre-Budget report.

Gershon Review

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills who in the Department has been made responsible for achieving the efficiency objectives set for the Department by the Gershon review.

Bill Rammell: The Secretary of State is responsible for the overall delivery of the department's efficiency programme.

Government Veterinary Service

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to ensure that there are sufficient trained vets to staff the Government Veterinary Service.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	The State Veterinary Service's resources and work demands are reviewed regularly.
	The number of vets employed by the State Veterinary Service will vary from time to time. The State Veterinary Service also engages Local Veterinary Inspectors and Temporary Veterinary Inspectors to act on its behalf as required.
	In the event of a very large outbreak of exotic disease, Defra would rapidly ramp up veterinary resource as detailed in paragraphs 3.73–3.76 of the Exotic Disease generic Contingency Plan. The first call would be on vets within other Government Departments and agencies such as the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.
	Additional resource is available through the contingency local veterinary inspector arrangements. A scheme intended to provide about 100 private vets to support the 24 SVS Animal Health Divisional offices across England, Scotland and Wales is being introduced. They will be trained in emergency roles and procedures and can be called upon immediately to work in the local offices, providing veterinary advice in the event of an outbreak of exotic disease.
	The Department also has the ability, through the International Animal Health Emergency Reserve arrangements, to call on vets and other technical experts from other signatory countries—Ireland, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Grandparents (Child Care Arrangements)

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which Sure Start programmes are aimed directly at grandparents who are raising grandchildren full-time.

Beverley Hughes: We do not hold specific information on Sure Start activities aimed directly at grandparents who are raising grandchildren full-time. Sure Start programmes are inclusive to all parents and carers of young children. We know that grandparents in Sure Start catchment areas are accessing a range of services and activities through these early years settings. Many grandparents also volunteer to have an active role in the delivery of services and the management of their local Sure Start programme; for example by participating in local partnership boards and parent/carer forums.

Higher Education Colleges

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will guarantee that the prioritisation of education for 16 to 19-year-olds will not affect (a) fee concessions and (b) service levels for those aged 60 who wish to study at higher education colleges in Essex.

Bill Rammell: I announced on 21 October our priorities for further education (FE) funding for the coming two years. These apply to FE colleges and other providers including higher education institutions delivering FE. The priorities will enable more 14 to 19-year-olds to stay on in education or training and improve their results, and will enable more adults of all ages without basic skills and qualifications to train to join the work force. The funding changes do not affect the existing arrangements whereby my Department funds free tuition, on publicly funded courses, for all older learners on income based benefits such as income support, housing and council tax benefits and those receiving the pension (guarantee) credit. I expect a wide range of adult learning to continue to be available and we will maintain funding for Personal and Community Development Learning with £210 million set aside from 2006/07.
	My Department does not set the detail of provision at local level. Working with the Learning and Skills Council, FE colleges as independent bodies retain discretion to decide on additional fee concessions and within the resources provided and agreed priorities will deliver provision to best meet the needs of local communities.

Information-sharing Protocols

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list local authorities which have final information-sharing protocols in place for dealing with children.

Beverley Hughes: The Green Paper Every Child Matters", published in September 2003, required local authorities to meet nine minimum requirements in relation to information sharing. These included putting in place information sharing protocols, covering health, education and social care; and to have them in development with other agencies providing services to children and young people by March 2004. All 150 top-tier local authorities were provided with funding in the financial year 2003–04 to meet these requirements.
	Independent research by Royal Holloway, University of London, reported that by March 2004, 87 (65 per cent.) authorities had met the requirement. 29 (22 per cent.) of authorities were assessed as being 'well ahead' because they had protocols that were signed by health, education, social care and other agencies. 43 (32 per cent.) authorities were assessed as being a 'bit behind' when protocols had yet to be agreed at a high level.
	Acknowledging the challenge in meeting the requirements to the original deadline, we allowed local authorities to carry over unspent funds into the financial year 2004–05. We commissioned Royal Holloway to do a further check on authorities in July 2004, which indicated that significant progress had been made. At this point, less than 10 per cent. were identified as 'a bit behind'.
	We have not made any subsequent detailed checks on authorities about whether they have met the requirements and have no plans to do so. We continue to encourage local authorities to develop effective information sharing arrangements and, partly in response to calls from local authorities, we plan to provide them with non-statutory guidance on information sharing across all children's services early in the new year.

Intelligent Design

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in England teach a course in which intelligent design forms a unit.

Jacqui Smith: Intelligent design does not form part of any programme of study in the national curriculum. In science pupils should be taught at Key Stage 4 how scientific controversies can arise from different ways of interpreting empirical evidence [for example, Darwin's theory of evolution]". Although it is possible that intelligent design could be raised in this context, controversies need to be scientific in order to meet national curriculum requirements.
	Intelligent design may be taught in religious education lessons as a religious interpretation of how the world was created. All religious education syllabuses are devised by local authorities, so statistics are not held centrally.

Key Stage Tests

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of secondary schools teach food technology at Key Stage 3.

Jacqui Smith: The Department does not collect this information centrally. However, each year the Design and Technology Association publishes an annual survey of schools. The results for 2004–05 suggest that 90 per cent. of schools offer food technology at Key Stage 3.

National Care Leavers Week

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action her Department (a) carried out and (b) sponsored to mark National Care Leavers Week; and if she will consider ways to involve hon. Members in future years.

Maria Eagle: I am grateful for the opportunity provided by National Care Leavers Week to confirm my Department's commitment to continue to improve outcomes for looked after children and care leavers. I have sent a message giving my support to the reception to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Children (Leaving Care) Act, which took place on the 27 October, as part of the week's events.
	National Care Leavers' Week is an annual awareness campaign run and supported by a coalition of charities and I am sure that the organisers would welcome the opportunity to involve hon. Members in future years.

Part-Time Students

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what steps her Department is taking to encourage greater numbers of part-time students;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on financial support for part-time students.

Bill Rammell: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 27 October 2005, Official Report, columns 478–79W.

School Absence

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the latest figures for authorised and unauthorised absence for (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools showing the number of children absent for at least one half day session and the proportion of children of school age in that constituency who have been absent for at least one half day session are, broken down by constituency.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

School Admissions

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to ensure that appeals on school admissions are dealt with in an efficient and timely manner;

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to ensure that appeals on school admissions are dealt with efficiently and quickly.

Jacqui Smith: The School Admission Appeals Code of Practice advises that appeal hearings should be held within a reasonable time—normally within 30 school days of an appeal being made or, for appeals made during the normal admissions round, within 30 school days of the specified closing date for the receipt of appeals. All admission authorities must have regard to this advice.

School Construction

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the three-year role for the rolling accumulation of capital funds for new build projects for schools.

Jacqui Smith: All maintained schools in England receive an annual allocation of devolved formula capital to invest in their local priorities. By 2008–09, a typical secondary school will receive £113,000 a year and a typical primary school £34,000. Schools may have investment needs such as larger building projects that cannot be fully supported with a single year's allocation and therefore, so that schools can build up funding for them, our guidance includes that this money can be rolled-over for up to three years. Also, where there is local agreement with their authorities, schools may be able to draw down future years' allocations so that they get early benefit of the investment.

School Places (Appeals)

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many parental appeals were made against the allocation of school places in Braintree constituency in each year since 1997; and how many were upheld.

Jacqui Smith: The requested information is not available for all schools in Braintree constituency because admission appeals data for community and voluntary controlled schools are provided at local authority level. The available information for Essex local authority is given in the table.
	
		Maintained primary and secondary schools: appeals by parents against non-admission of their childrenEach academic year: 1997/98 to 2003/04: Essex local authority
		
			  Maintained primary 
			  Number of appeals Appeals heard Appeals decided in parents' favour 
			  lodged Number Percentage(38) Number Percentage(39) 
		
		
			 1997/98 352 292 83.0 143 49.0 
			 1998/99 305 257 84.3 76 29.6 
			 1999/2000 318 192 60.4 45 23.4 
			 2000/01 583 342 58.7 132 38.6 
			 2001/02 697 423 60.7 161 38.1 
			 2002/03 828 498 60.1 199 40.0 
			 2003/04 653 402 61.6 131 32.6 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained secondary 
			  Number of appeals Appeals heard Appeals decided in parents' favour 
			  lodged Number Percentage(38) Number Percentage(39) 
		
		
			 1997/98 477 335 70.2 88 26.3 
			 1998/99 592 429 72.5 124 28.9 
			 1999/2000 717 541 75.5 172 31.8 
			 2000/01 979 760 77.6 294 38.7 
			 2001/02 1,339 952 71.1 261 27.4 
			 2002/03 1,599 1,034 64.7 298 28.8 
			 2003/04 1,553 1,072 69.0 342 31.9 
		
	
	(38) Number of appeals heard by a committee expressed as a percentage of the number of appeals lodged by parents.
	(39) Number of appeals decided in parents' favour expressed as a percentage of the number of appeals heard by a committee.
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census and Admission Appeals Survey

School Playing Fields

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many state school playing fields have been sold since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: Prior to October 1998, there was no regulation of the sale of school playing fields at local authority controlled schools. If a local authority wanted to sell a school playing field there was nothing to stop it and it could spend the proceeds as it wished.
	Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 was introduced in October 1998 to stop the indiscriminate sale of school playing fields. Local authorities and governing bodies of all maintained schools now need the Secretary of State's consent before they can dispose of a playing field or any part of a playing field. Section 77 defines playing field as land in the open air which is provided for the purposes of physical education or recreation.
	All applications received since 16 July 2001 have been scrutinised by the independent School Playing Fields Advisory Panel, which comprises representatives from the National Playing Fields Association, the Central Council of Physical Recreation, Learning through Landscapes, the National Association of Head Teachers and the Local Government Association. The panel provides advice on the extent to which applications meet the published criteria.
	Since 1997, 166 applications to sell an area of school playing field capable of being used for at least a small sports pitch have been approved. Of these approvals, 70 have been at closed school sites. Of the 96 disposals at operating schools, the proceeds of sale have been used to improve on-site sports facilities at 69 of these schools. In the other 27 cases the sale proceeds have been used to improve educational facilities.

Special Educational Needs

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of the closure of special schools on overall provision of special education.

Maria Eagle: A targeted review of the role of special schools was carried out in 2003 which resulted in the Report of the Special Schools Working Group: the majority of the report's recommendations were subsequently embodied in the Department's SEN Strategy—Removing Barriers to Achievement". We believe special schools have an important role to play within the overall spectrum of provision for children with SEN—both through direct provision and through sharing their expertise with mainstream schools.
	Under the Education Act 1996, local authorities are under a duty to secure sufficient schools for pupils in their area and in doing so must have particular regard to the need to secure special educational provision. Ofsted inspects the quality of educational provision for children with SEN, including specialist provision. Within this framework how provision is organised is a matter for local decision, and for that reason, Government plays no role in relation to local authority school reorganisations or in respect of decisions to close schools.

Student Finance

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what financial support is available for a graduate who has completed an undergraduate degree and wishes to undertake a second undergraduate degree as a foundation to a professional qualification.

Bill Rammell: Graduate students who wish to undertake a second undergraduate degree leading to a professional qualification, for example in medicine, veterinary medicine, architecture or a similar field can apply for a maintenance loan.
	From September 2006 we will be introducing revised rules for determining what support should be available to students who have previously undertaken higher education courses. These new provisions will not alter the treatment of graduate students undertaking a second undergraduate degree leading to a professional qualification. As is the case under current rules, such students will not be eligible for fee support, or for the new grants that we have introduced. However, they will continue to qualify for the maintenance loan.
	Graduates undertaking a four year accelerated medical or dental course are eligible for bursary support from the NHS from the second year of the course, and the NHS also pays the fees from the second year onwards. Where bursary support is available students will qualify for a reduced rate loan.

Student Finance

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the decision was taken to set the cut-off date for those exempt from paying university tuition fees at 1 August.

Bill Rammell: There is no such cut off date or exemption from paying university tuition fees.
	However it is the case that under section 25 of the Higher Education Act 2004, students that have received an offer before 1 August 2005 for entry to a course that starts before 1 September 2007 may not be charged more in tuition fees than the basic amount, which is set at £1,200 for the 2006/07 academic year.
	The 1 August date was put into the Higher Education Act by an amendment carried in the House of Lords on 8 June 2004, proposed by the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth.

Student Finance

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total value of outstanding student loans at the end of 2004–05 was in (a) England and (b) Gravesham.

Bill Rammell: Provisional data from the Student Loans Company show the student loan amount outstanding (including loans not yet due for repayment) for publicly-owned debt in England at the end of financial year 2004–05 was £13,023.1 million. Data are not available at constituency level.
	Data at a UK level are published annually in a Statistical First Release, the latest in the series being SLC SFR 02/2005 which is available at http://www.slc.co.uk/noframe/corpinfo/natstat.html.

Student Finance

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provisions are made for British citizens taken to live abroad as children who want to return to study at universities in England and receive student loans.

Bill Rammell: From 2006/07 all EU nationals, and this includes British nationals living abroad, will be entitled to tuition fee loans provided they have resided in the European Economic Area or Switzerland throughout the three years immediately preceding the start of the academic year in which their course commences. However, these students are not entitled to loans for living costs.
	Apart from closely defined exceptions, to be eligible for student loans for living costs in addition to student loans for fees (from 2006/07), a British national must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands (the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) throughout the three years immediately preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course and ordinarily resident in England on this date. A British national whose residence in the UK and Islands during the three year period was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education is not considered to have satisfied the ordinary residence requirement—unless they have exercised a right of free movement within the European Economic Area and were ordinarily resident in the European Economic Area (including the UK) immediately prior to the three year period.
	An exception is made where the three year residence requirement cannot be satisfied because the applicant or their parents have been temporarily employed or absent abroad. This provides flexibility where British nationals are not able to meet the residence requirements but have not made a long term decision to live outside the country.
	British nationals may indeed meet the temporary absence provisions, dependent upon their individual circumstances and they and their families would then be eligible for the full range of student support, including, student loans for fees and maintenance. The term temporary is not defined in regulations. A statutory definition of the term could not reflect the range of circumstances under which students and their families may find themselves temporarily abroad. We believe the fairest approach is to allow local authorities to judge each case on its individual merits.
	A very specific exemption from the three year residence requirement applies to armed forces personnel and their families serving abroad as a result of their special situation because they are bound by military law to accept overseas postings.
	Background
	The criterion of residence, rather than nationality, has been the principle of successive governments since it was introduced in the 1960's. We believe this remains a fair requirement which clearly demonstrates a substantial residential connection with the UK and recognises an economic contribution to the country. If a person lives abroad on a long term basis, it is not reasonable they should expect support for higher education, through subsidised loans, from public funds in the same way as students who reside in this country.
	There are also a number of other carefully defined exceptions where a student may receive support without satisfying the normal residence requirement. In order to comply with European Union legislation, designed to ensure the free movement of workers throughout the European Economic Area, UK nationals, their spouses, civil partner, children and stepchildren, who have been working elsewhere in the European Economic Area or Switzerland and have returned to take up employment in the UK are generally eligible for support as is they had not left the UK. In order to benefit from this provision they must have been ordinarily resident in the European Economic Area or Switzerland throughout the three years immediately preceding the start of their course.
	The vast majority of British nationals who choose to live and work abroad do so at their own volition. Where this is short-term the temporary absence provisions will meet their needs and they will be eligible for student support.
	It would be not be right to open up the student loan scheme to expatriates and other British passport holders who have lived and been educated in other parts of the world and have few connections with the UK.

Student Finance

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the (a) original intended and (b) actual (i) launch date and (ii) cost was of the Student Finance Direct website; who the principal contractors involved were; what payments were made to each one; what the (A) usage targets for and (B) actual usage of the website were in the first year of its operation; and how much was spent on promoting the website to students and future students.

Bill Rammell: The Student Finance Direct website was launched by the Student Loans Company in January 2003. The cost of the website alone cannot be given since it is an integral part of a much larger IT project. No specific targets were set for the use of the website, but it receives an estimated 1.5 million visits annually. Students and their sponsors can use the website to make on-line applications for student loans. No special activities were undertaken to promote the website or the on-line system, but references were included in our usual student finance promotional material. It is not possible to separate out the costs associated with adding these references but these would have been small.

Sure Start

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to extend the Sure Start programme.

Beverley Hughes: The Government intends to develop 3,500 Sure Start Children Centres by 2010, one for every community.
	There are currently around 400 designated children centres, most developed from existing provision such as Sure Start Local Programmes and Early Excellence Centres. £435 million has been made available to local authorities in 2004–06 to develop centres in disadvantaged areas. From March 2006, £947 million will be available for local authorities to create 2,500 children's centres by March 2008.

Trust Schools

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how the proposed trust schools will be funded, with particular reference to schools governed by parent groups.

Jacqui Smith: Trust schools will be funded on exactly the same basis as other maintained schools. They will receive multi-year revenue budgets from their local authority under the new school funding arrangements we are introducing from April 2006. They will receive direct capital funding on the national formula and have access to the substantial funding allocated to their authority and through the Building Schools for the Future programme.

University Graduates

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of students starting a degree course graduated in each academic year since 1997.

Bill Rammell: The latest available figures for the percentage of full-time first degree students expected to gain a degree are shown in the following table. For 2002/03, 78.1 per cent. of UK domiciled full-time first degree students at English higher education institutions were expected to gain a degree, 1.7 per cent. to gain a higher education qualification other than a degree, 6.1 per cent. were expected to transfer to another institution, and 13.9 per cent. were expected to neither obtain a qualification nor transfer.
	
		Percentage of UK domiciled full-time first degree students at English higher education institutions expected to gain a degree
		
			  Students starting courses in: Percentage of students who were projected to gain a degree(40) 
		
		
			 1997 76.9 
			 1998 77.4 
			 1999 77.4 
			 2000 78.1 
			 2001 78.4 
			 2002 78.1 
		
	
	(40) For 2002/03, the projected outcomes summarise the pattern of movements of students at institutions between 2002/03 and 2003/04 and give the outcomes that would have been expected from starters in 2002/03 if progression patterns were to remain unchanged over the next few years.
	Source:
	Performance Indicators in Higher Education", published by HESA.

Youth Services

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was available for youth services in (a) Wimbledon constituency, (b) Greater London and (c) England in each year since 1997.

Phil Hope: Youth services are funded through the local authority and information about the level of funding is collected by local education authority (LEA) area. This information has only been available separately since 2000. Therefore, I am in a position to give funding levels for the youth service in England as a whole, and for the youth service within London, and Wimbledon by LEA area, in this case Merton, from that date.
	Figures in the following table give local authorities annual budget for youth service. Planned budgeted expenditure on the youth service as reported to the Department by local authorities has increased by almost 12 per cent. between 2003/04 and 2005/06.
	Youth service funding levels are as follows:
	
		£
		
			 Financial year England London Wimbledon (Merton) LEA 
		
		
			 2000–01 288,026,510 57,239,674 552,277 
			 2001–02 306,761,605 60,662,048 575,729 
			 2002–03 316,288,138 65,838,535 605,730 
			 2003–04 343,364,777 67,393,083 806,830 
			 2004–05 363,095,777 65,839,152 809,020 
			 2005–06 383,662,949 69,415,404 847,028

HEALTH

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many voluntary organisations made submissions following their own consultation on the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say process;
	(2)  how many local authorities have made submissions based on their own public consultations on the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say process (a) in England and (b) in Thames Valley.

Liam Byrne: The information requested will be available when the consultation period has ended.

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the White Paper following the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say process to be published.

Liam Byrne: We expect to publish the White Paper following Your Health, Your Care, Your Say process around the turn of the year.

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether consultations already undertaken by primary care trusts will be taken into account in the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say White Paper.

Liam Byrne: The Your Health, Your Care, Your Say consultation is a national listening exercise focused on what people want from community health and social care nationally. It is not meant to circumvent local consultations that have already taken place.

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to whom hard copies of the questionnaire on Your Health, Your Care, Your Say will be circulated.

Liam Byrne: Over 10,000 hard copies of the questionnaire have been sent to health and social care organisations, and members of the public, who have requested copies. We have taken particular care about providing materials in a range of languages and formats, including braille, audio, large print and easy read.

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what public meetings she has planned to participate in personally as part of the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" consultation exercise.

Liam Byrne: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, attended the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" regional consultation event in Leicester on 22 September and a meeting organised by her constituency office on 7 October. My noble Friend the Minister of State (Lord Warner), was present at a regional event in London on 29 September and I attended the regional event in Gateshead on 14 September.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, together with my noble Friend the Minister of State (Lord Warner), my right hon. Friend the Minister of State (Jane Kennedy), my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Public Health (Caroline Flint) and I plan to attend the national citizens' summit" in Birmingham on 29 October 2005.

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what questions are being asked by the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" consultation exercise.

Liam Byrne: The questions are set out in the reports from the Gateshead, Leicester, London and Plymouth consultation events, copies of which are available in the Library.

Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" Consultation

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) general practitioners, (b) voluntary organisations, (c) community hospital managers and (d) public and patient involvement forums took part in Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" regional consultations in (i) England and (ii) Thames Valley.

Liam Byrne: The Your Health, Your Care, Your Say" regional consultation events are primarily for the public. 21 of the 251 people who attended the events in Gateshead, Leicester, London and Plymouth indicated that they worked in health or social care. Figures for the national summit in Birmingham on 29 October and events in the Thames Valley area are not available. National health service and social care organisations, including national staff representative bodies and the voluntary sector, are involved in drawing up policy recommendations through five taskforces, which are taking on board the views expressed by the public at the consultation events and in an on-line questionnaire. We have also written to national staff representative bodies, encouraging them to work with staff to discuss the issues and to feedback to the Department.

Agenda for Change

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many appeals against Agenda for Change bandings in the NHS there have been in (a) England, (b) each strategic health authority, (c) each NHS trust and (d) each primary care trust; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: This information is not held centrally but will be held by individual national health service employers.

Allergies

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what specialist allergy treatment is provided by Lancashire NHS Teaching Trust; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 26 October 2005
	This is a matter for the chair of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Mr. Dennis Benson informing him of your inquiry.

Alzheimer's (Drugs)

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the progress the National Service Framework for Older People is making in ensuring people with Alzheimer's have effective treatment and support.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 17 October 2005
	The national service framework (NSF) for older people considered the range of services and support needed for older people with dementia. However, despite the significant achievements of the NSF for mental health and older people, there was agreement that there were particular challenges in delivering better mental health services for older adults.
	As a result, in June 2005 the Department published Securing Better Mental Health for Older Adults" to mark the start of a new programme bringing together mental health and older people's policy to improve services for older people with mental health needs. In early November this year, the Department will also launch a web-based service development guide for older people's mental health, the next step in improving mental health and care services for older people. The service development guide builds on the service models outlined in the NSF for older people and the principles promoted in Securing Better Mental Health for Older Adults".

Ambulance Trusts

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS ambulance trusts she intends to have operating in England in April 2006.

Liam Byrne: A public consultation, led by strategic health authorities will be held on the future organisation of ambulance trusts. The Department is minded to propose that there are 11 trusts, but a final decision will not be taken until we have properly consulted local interests, patients and the public.

Breast Cancer

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money her Department has spent on researching the causes of breast cancer in each of the last seven years.

Alan Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	My Department supports medical and clinical research through the Medical Research Council (MRC). MRC spend on research relevant to breast cancer, which includes the cause of the disease, the disease itself and developing treatments, over the past seven years was as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 3.9 
			 1998–99 4.3 
			 1999–2000 4.4 
			 2000–01 6.8 
			 2001–02 6.0 
			 2002–03 5.1 
			 2003–04 4.9 
		
	
	It is important however to note that a variety of other research funded by the MRC has also informed the understanding and treatment of breast cancer.

Care Homes

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2005, Official Report, column 1662W, concerning care homes, for what reason the figures for later years are not comparable with earlier years.

Liam Byrne: The Department's and the Commission for Social Care Inspection's (CSCI) data are not comparable for the following reasons.
	Due to a delay in registering local authority (LA) care homes by the National Care Standards Commission, the CSCI data excludes some LA homes, which were open but not registered. All local authority homes were registered by 31 March 2004.
	A change in definition between the two datasets. The Department's data up to 2001 was based on the number of care homes open as at 31 March, whereas the CSCI data is based on the number of care homes registered as at 31 March.
	The Department used to collect care home data from LA so were able to provide data by LA boundary, whereas CSCI data is collected as part of the registration process and is based on CSCI regions. CSCI have recently carried out a mapping process of care homes to LA boundaries using postcodes.

Care Management Assessments

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she has issued guidance on the maximum permissible time between referral and a care management assessment by a social services Department; and what the average time taken between referral and a care management assessment was in each local authority in England in the last period for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: In Improvement, Expansion and Reform: the next 3 years", the Department sets out what organisations need to do over the period 2003–06. It identified national priorities and targets which health and social care organisations need to build into their local plans. One of the targets was that, by December 2004, all assessments of older people should begin within 48 hours of first contact with social services.
	Information on the average time between referral and care management assessment is not available.
	Information on the percentage of new clients aged 18 and over whose assessment started during the year by length of time from first contact with social services to start of assessment has been placed in the Library.

Cataract Units

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have been treated at independent treatment scheme cataract units in (a) Oxfordshire and (b) England.

Liam Byrne: To date, over 25,000 cataract procedures have been carried out by independent sector treatment centres and mobile units, none of which have been carried out in Oxfordshire. Data on how many patients were treated by the national health service using locally commissioned independent sector providers are not collected centrally.

Cataract Units

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether strategic health authorities will underwrite the costs of independent treatment scheme cataract units which are underused by patients.

Liam Byrne: For wave one, primary care trusts currently underwrite independent sector treatment centres, but we expect that, over the lifetime of a contract, all contracts will be fully utilised by national health service patients.

Choice Agenda

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much spare capacity she estimates will be required within the NHS to allow it to meet the Government's choice agenda.

Liam Byrne: The national health service is expanding capacity in order to provide better patient care, shorter waits and greater patient choice.
	Patient choice may lead to changes in the distribution of capacity use as particular hospitals respond. This will be facilitated by payment by results which will also provide incentives to maximising the use of available capacity.

Coeliac Disease

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how she is raising awareness of the causes and treatments of coeliac disease; what NHS treatments are available to treat the disease; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 14 October 2005
	Most people with coeliac disease receive advice from their general practitioner (GP) on self-management of their condition, and specifically on the exclusion of foods containing gluten from their diet. A wide range of gluten-free foods are available on national health service prescription and these may be prescribed where a GP considers it necessary to ensure effective self-management of the condition.
	The NHS Plan promotes and supports self care as one of the five key service elements of a patient centred NHS (preventive care, self care, primary care, hospital care, intermediate care). This is about promoting the involvement of patients and the public in their own treatment and care, by providing appropriate facilities eg through information, education, training, equipment and peer support and by partnership with health and social care professionals where necessary. Patients have access to NHS Direct, NHS Direct Online which include a health encyclopaedia and frequently asked questions, which cover a wide range of health related issues.

Community Nurses

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to change the car mileage allowance payable to community nurses working in the NHS.

Liam Byrne: It is the responsibility of the NHS Staff Council to set these rates. A copy of the complete agenda for change terms and conditions of service handbook, which sets out the new pay structure and additional terms is available in the Library.

Consultants

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many senior hospital consultants have taken early retirement since 2001.

Liam Byrne: The number of early retirements under the national health service pension scheme for consultants in England and Wales is shown in the table. It is not possible to identify senior consultants separately. The data represents early retirements effective during 2001 to 2006.
	
		
			  Total consultant early pension awards 
		
		
			 2000 12 
			 2001 44 
			 2002 151 
			 2003 145 
			 2004 135 
			 2005 120 
			 2006 72

Countess of Chester Hospital

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients from Wales were treated at the Countess of Chester hospital in the last three years for which records are available.

Liam Byrne: This is a matter for the Chair of the Countess of Chester Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Jim Sharples informing him of your enquiry. He will reply shortly and a letter will be placed in the Library.

Diet

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of (a) primary and (b) secondary school children who regularly have (i) school meals and (ii) packed lunches.

Jacqui Smith: I have been asked to reply.
	Information on pupils regularly having school meals or packed lunches is not collected centrally.
	The Government have launched a national audit of school food provision in order to assess the progress that is already being made by local authorities and schools. The national audit, which began on 17 October, will cover issues such as how much is being spent on school meals ingredients, how they are provided, whether children get hot or cold meals and the percentage of pupils currently buying school meals.

Digital Hearing Aids

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost to the NHS is of (a) a digital hearing aid, (b) the fitting of a digital hearing aid and (c) assessment for a digital hearing aid.

Liam Byrne: The average cost to the national health service of purchasing a digital hearing aid is £88.40 in 2004–05.
	There is currently no central data collection on the average cost of the fitting of, or assessment for, digital hearing aids as this service is currently excluded from the annual reference costs collection.

Direct Payments (Social Care)

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to expand the use of direct payments in social care services.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 21 October 2005
	We have taken a number of steps to expand the use of direct payments. We have changed the law so it is now a duty on local councils to make direct payments, not just a power. We also introduced the direct payments development fund, which is £9 million over three years, to encourage investment in direct payments support services. In addition, we have strengthened the performance indicator to monitor the take-up of direct payments in each local council.
	We have produced a range of user-friendly information which councils should supplement with locally appropriate information.
	We have also consulted in our recent Green Paper, Independence, Well-being and Choice", on ways to extend the benefits of direct payments to those currently excluded, by using an agent for those without the capacity to consent, or unable to manage even with assistance.
	We have acknowledged that our ability to increase the number of people using direct payments is limited by the barriers some people experience taking them up. Some people find that the responsibilities that come with having a direct payment are too much for them. We are piloting the introduction of individual budgets for those with assessed social care needs which will include looking at how those who receive services can be supported.

Doctor Training

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) senior house officer posts there are in England and (b) how many were filled by non-UK trained doctors in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: Information on the number of medically qualified senior house officer (SHO) and equivalent posts in the United Kingdom is not collected centrally.
	Information on the number of medically qualified SHO and equivalents in England and the number who qualified outside the United Kingdom since 1997 is shown in the table.
	
		Number of medically qualified SHOs and equivalents(41) in England and number of SHO and equivalents who qualified outside the UK -- Number (headcount)
		
			  Medically qualified SHOs and equivalents in England Medically qualified SHOs and equivalents who qualified outside the UK 
		
		
			 1997 14,580 5,722 
			 1998 14,774 5,592 
			 1999 14,812 5,335 
			 2000 15,081 5,216 
			 2001 15,409 5,422 
			 2002 16,685 6,281 
			 2003 18,212 7,727 
			 2004 20,094 9,362 
		
	
	(41) Excludes all staff with a dental specialty. Information about country of qualification is derived from the General Medical Council.
	Source:
	National Health Service Health and Social Care Information Centre medical and dental workforce census.

Endometriosis

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many women were diagnosed with endometriosis in the last year for which figures are available;
	(2)  what steps the Government have taken to support patients with endometriosis;
	(3)  if she will commission research into early diagnosis of endometriosis.

Liam Byrne: Information on women diagnosed with endometriosis is not available in the form requested. In 2003–04, the number of finished consultant episodes 1 (FCEs) in national health service hospitals in England where the primary diagnosis was endometriosis (ICD10 code N80) was 16,350 2 .
	The Department of Health supports the two main voluntary organisations in the field, the National Endometriosis Society and Endometriosis SHE Trust, by providing funding towards central administrative costs and for specific projects.
	The Government fund medical and health research in a number of different ways. The main agency through which the Government fund medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body, which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, part of the Department of Trade and Industry. In 2002–03, the MRC spent £1 million on endometriosis and the general physiology of the endometrium.
	1 A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.
	2  Source: Hospital episode statistics, Department of Health.

Foundation Hospitals

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she expects all hospitals to become foundation hospitals.

Liam Byrne: The Government are committed to ensuring that all acute hospital trusts are in a position to apply for foundation status.

General Medical Services Contract

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to publish the new Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) as part of the review of the General Medical Services contract; and what progress has been made in the review of QOF so far.

Liam Byrne: NHS Employers are responsible for reviewing the general medical services contract with the British Medical Association's general practitioners' committee. Negotiations are in progress and negotiators have confirmed some changes will be made to the Quality and Outcomes Framework from April 2006.

Health Services (Essex)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many speech and language therapists have been on staff in the Essex strategic health authority in each of the last three years.

Rosie Winterton: The number of speech and language therapists that have been on staff in the Essex strategic health authority (SHA) in each of the last three years is shown in the table.
	
		National health service hospital and community health services: Qualified speech and language therapists in the Essex SHA area by organisation as at 30 September in each specified year -- Headcount
		
			  Organisation code 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Essex SHA total Q03 131 136 140 
			 Basildon Primary Care Trust (PCT) 5GR 31 18 17 
			 Castle Point and Rochford PCT 5JP (42)— 14 18 
			 Colchester PCT 5GM (42)— 30 33 
			 Epping Forest PCT 5AJ 27 31 29 
			 Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust RDE 32 (42)— (42)— 
			 Maldon and South Chelmsford PCT 5GL 33 35 34 
			 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS  Trust RQ8 2 1 1 
			 South Essex Partnership NHS Trust RWN 6 7 8 
		
	
	(42) Zero
	Source:
	Health and Social Care Information Centre non-medical workforce census.

Hospital Food

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent estimate she has made of (a) weight loss and (b) protein loss among patients in hospital for (i) 0 to 6, (ii) 7 to 13, (iii) 14 to 29 and (iv) 30 days and over;
	(2)  what research she has commissioned to assess the extent of malnutrition after admission among (a) hospital in-patients and (b) residents of care and nursing homes.

Liam Byrne: There have been no estimates or research on this carried out centrally. Essence of Care, published in 2003, sets benchmarks for screening and assessment to identify patients' nutritional needs in health and social care settings, and helps healthcare professionals to devise appropriate care plans.

Hospital Re-admissions

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the rates of re-admission to hospitals were in (a) England and (b) Lancashire in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: pursuant to the reply, 17 October 2005, Official Report, c. 763W
	My previous reply should read as follows:
	Re-admission data from 1998–99, which is calculated using the re-admission rate definition, emergency re-admissions to hospitals within 28 days of discharge to hospitals", is available at www.nchod.nhs.uk, where a full definition is given in the guidance notes.
	I regret that due to a clerical error, table 2 in the reply that the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health (Miss Melanie Johnson) gave the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 22 March 2005, Official Report, column 758W was incorrect. The correct information is contained in this answer.

Hospital Staffing

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations Ministers have received from the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health on the availability of senior house officer posts.

Liam Byrne: No representations have been received by Ministers from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health on the availability of senior house officer posts.

Hospital Staffing

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many junior doctors completed training in 2004; and how many senior house officers posts were available in that year.

Liam Byrne: The Department does not collect data on the number of doctors completing training in any given year. Such data for 2004 would be available from the competent authorities for postgraduate medical education at the time, the Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges and the joint committee on postgraduate training for general practice.
	In the September 2004 census, the number of medically qualified senior house officers and equivalents was 20,094 in England. This was an increase of 1,882 (10 per cent.) from the previous year and an increase of 5,514 (38 per cent.) since 1997.
	The census is a count of doctors on particular salary scales or their equivalents, not a count of doctors with a particular job description. These figures therefore include trust doctors, clinical fellows and other such posts.

Hospital Staffing

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations Ministers have received on phasing out senior house officer posts under the modernising medical careers initiative.

Liam Byrne: The modernising medical careers proposals for specialist training have yet to be agreed in detail. The proposals would see the gradual phasing out of the senior house officer grade to be replaced by structured programmes of training leading to the award of a certificate of completion of training.
	We have consulted widely on these proposals and will continue to engage with stakeholders to manage transition.

Hospital Treatments

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost was of procedures carried out by (a) Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust and (b) other teaching hospital trusts in the last year for which figures are available, broken down by specialty.

Liam Byrne: Data on the average costs of national health service hospital services is made available through the annual NHS reference costs collection. The NHS reference cost index (RCI) provides an indication of the costs of hospital services in individual NHS trusts against the national average. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has an RCI score of 115 relative to the average of 100, based on 2003–04 data, the most recent year for which figures are available. NHS reference costs are not broken down by speciality.

Lancashire NHS Teaching Trust

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the job titles of the staff employed at Lancashire NHS Teaching Trust; and how many full-time equivalent staff are employed in each role.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 25 October 2005
	This is a matter for the Chair of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. I have written to Mr. Dennis Benson informing him of your inquiry.

Local Health Communities

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what systems are in place to ensure that her Department works closely with local health communities to understand their requirement for extra capacity in the services it provides.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 20 October 2005
	The Department carries out regular capacity planning and local delivery planning (LDP) processes with strategic health authorities (SHAs). In both of these, the Department worked closely with SHAs and, through them, with primary care trusts to understand overall capacity requirements in order to deliver the national targets for 2005–06 to 2007–08, as set out in National Standards, Local Action".
	Capacity planning guidance is available at on the Department's website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/86/65/04118665.pdf.
	The LDP technical note is available on the Department's website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/09/54/49/04095449.pdf.

Lupus

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to improve the standard of care available to those suffering from lupus; and what action is being taken to raise awareness of lupus among health professionals.

Liam Byrne: The national service framework (NSF) for long-term conditions, while specifically aimed at those with neurological conditions, is relevant for all people with long-term conditions, including lupus. The NSF addresses a range of key issues including the need for equitable access to a range of services; good quality information and support for patients and carers; the ability to see a specialist and get the right investigations and diagnosis as quickly as possible.
	Addressing the training needs of health professionals is the responsibility of the appropriate regulatory bodies. They set standards for the pre-registration training of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, approve the education institutions that provide the training and determine the curricula.
	The post-registration training needs of national health service staff are decided against local priorities, informed by local delivery plans and the needs of the service.

Meniere's Disease

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to help sufferers of Meniere's disease.

Liam Byrne: The national health service and social services provide a range of health and social care services tailored to the varying individual needs of patients with Meniere's disease, allowing them to manage their condition, maintain independence and achieve the best quality of life.
	The NHS improvement plan has set out the Government's commitment to improve care for people with long-term conditions by moving from reactive care towards a patient-centred approach. Strategic health authorities and primary care trusts have all received the national service framework (NSF) for long-term conditions. While the NSF is principally concerned with improving health and social care services for people with a long-term neurological condition, it will address some of the generic issues that are important to people living with other long-term conditions. The principles in the NSF apply equally to improving quality of life and promoting independent living for anyone living with a long-term condition.

Mental Health Services

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate has been made of how many child psychiatrists need to be trained before each mentally ill child under the age of 18 years can be treated by a specialist qualified to work specifically with children.

Liam Byrne: It is not routine practice for every child with a mental illness to be seen by a psychiatrist. Many children are treated by professionals such as a psychologist, mental health nurse or primary mental health worker, often as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Individual trusts are responsible for determining their workforce needs in the light of the mix of skills of all members of the agencies and services in their area, not just child psychiatrists.
	The work force review team hosted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Workforce Development Confederation and in partnership with the Severn and Wessex Deanery makes recommendations on the future of the healthcare work force on an annual basis. These recommendations inform local commissioning decisions, alongside local knowledge of work force demand.

Mental Health Services

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many children with mental illness are being treated in adult wards;
	(2)  how many children in acute hospitals for mental illness problems are in (a) adult wards and (b) specialist children's wards.

Liam Byrne: The information is not available in the form requested.
	In the period from 1 April to 30 June 2005 in England, there were 589 hospital occupied bed days spent by patients aged under 16 on admission on adult psychiatric wards. The equivalent figure for patients aged 16 or 17 on admission was 10,269.
	In the same period there were 38,761 hospital occupied bed days spent by patients aged under 18 in specialist wards for child and adolescent mental health services.
	In the long-term our objective is as set out in the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services (September 2004) which states that,
	. . . young people who require admission to hospital for mental health care should have access to appropriate care in an environment suited to their age and development".
	In the majority of cases with only a few exceptions this means that adult wards would not be appropriate and the national health service should work towards reducing the use of adult psychiatric wards for children and young people under 18.

Mental Health Services

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have been treated in each of the last five years for mental disorders linked to cannabis use.

Liam Byrne: Information on the number of finished consultant episodes for mental disorders linked to cannabis use for those aged 16 and under is shown in the table.
	
		Finished consultant episodes (FCEs)(43) with a primary psychiatric diagnosis of a mental or behavioural disorder due to the use of cannabinoids (ICD-10 code F12), by age and gender, England, 1999–2000 to 2003–04(44)
		
			  Aged 16 or under at end of episode 
			 Data year Male Female All FCEs 
		
		
			 2003–04(44) 70 30 100 
			 2002–03 40 20 60 
			 2001–02 70 20 80 
			 2000–01 40 20 50 
			 1999–2000 40 10 50 
		
	
	(43) A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.
	(44) Data has not been adjusted for shortfalls in data, that is, the data is ungrossed. Disclosure rules apply due to the sensitive nature of the data; therefore, figures have been rounded to the nearest ten. Figures may not add up due to rounding.
	Source:
	Hospital episode statistics, National Health Service Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Modernising Medical Careers Initiative

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will meet the British Medical Association to discuss the Modernising Medical Careers initiative.

Liam Byrne: However, Departmental officials and the modernising medical careers implementation team work closely with the British Medical Association (BMA) in taking this initiative forward and Ministers involve themselves when the need arises or the BMA seeks a meeting.

Neonatal Care

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the average daily number of cots available in wards classified as intensive care neonates or equivalent was in (a) England and (b) each strategic health authority for each year since 1996–97;
	(2)  which national health service trusts provide neonatal (a) intensive, (b) high dependence and (c) special care in England;
	(3)  what the average occupancy rate for neonatal units was in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: The information requested has been placed in the Library.
	The number and location of neonatal intensive care cots is for the national health service neonatal networks to determine, taking account of local demand. Strategic health authority areas will increase or decrease cots to reflect demand.

Netcare UK

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the profit made by Netcare UK at the Trafford Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in the first three months of its operation.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	An estimate has not been made centrally.

Netcare UK

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of an operation at the Trafford Diagnostic and Treatment Centre has been since it opened.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	The case mix at the Trafford surgical centre is varied. As the contract is procured according to the total service (staff, building, clinical supplies), it is not possible to provide this figure.

Netcare UK

Robert Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints she has received in respect of the role played by Netcare within the national health service in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 17 October 2005
	The responsibility for handling complaints rests with the appropriate national health service primary care trust or acute trust that referred the patients to the independent treatment centre. Such complaints are handled through the NHS complaints process. The Department is not involved in the resolution of such complaints.
	Under contract terms, the Department is required to be notified by an independent treatment centre of any complaints in relation to treatment they provide to NHS patients. To date, the Department has been notified of nine such cases since the service commenced in February 2004 and since then over 18,000 patients have been treated.

NHS Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of bills of each NHS acute trust in England were paid within 30 days in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: The information requested has been placed in the Library.
	The most recent period for which figures are available is as reported in the individual final accounts of national health service trusts for 2004–05.

NHS Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of a (a) cataract operation, (b) hip replacement and (c) gall bladder removal was in (i) 1997, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2005 in (A) nominal and (B) real terms.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is shown in the following tables, which shows the average costs within these areas, sourced from the reference costs collection. The latest available data is for 2003–04. Cost data for 2005–06 is not yet available.
	
		
			Nominal (£) 2003–04 prices(45) (£) 
			 HRG HRG description Description 1997–98 2001–02 1997–98 2001–02 
		
		
			 B02 Phakoemulsification Cataract Extraction with Lens Implant cataract operation 698 672 803 711 
			 B03 Other Cataract Extraction with Lens Implant cataract operation 711 740 818 783 
			 G13 Cholecystectomy >69 or with complications or comorbidities gall bladder removal 1,812 2,311 2,084 2,447 
			 G14 Cholecystectomy <70 without complications or comorbidities gall bladder removal 1,327 1,574 1,526 1,667 
			 H02 Primary Hip Replacement hip replacement 3,680 4,359 4,233 4,617 
		
	
	
		
			Nominal (£) 
			 HRG HRG description Description 2003–04 
		
		
			 B13(46) Phakoemulsification Cataract Extraction and Insertion of Lens cataract operation 717 
			 B14(46) Non Phakoemulsification Cataract Surgery cataract operation 793 
			 G13 Cholecystectomy >69 or with complications or comorbidities gall bladder removal 2,449 
			 G14 Cholecystectomy <70 without complications or comorbidities gall bladder removal 1,723 
			 H80(46) Primary Hip Replacement Cemented hip replacement 4,750 
			 H81(46) Primary Hip Replacement Uncemented hip replacement 4,603 
		
	
	(45) As calculated by the gross domestic product deflator, 28 September 2005.
	(46) New HRG version 3.5 provided more detailed information for cataract operations and hip replacement procedures in 2003–04.
	Note:
	Data source: 1997–98, 2001–02 and 2003–04 reference costs.
	Source:
	1997–98, 2001–02 and 2003–04 reference costs.

NHS Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will assess the merits of distributing funding for specialised services through specialist commissioning groups, rather than through primary care trusts.

Liam Byrne: On 19 October, we announced a review, chaired by Sir David Carter, into commissioning arrangements for specialised services with a view to building on current good practice and ensuring consistent arrangements across the whole country that fit in with wider national health service reform. As part of the review we will look at how best to organise the funding of specialised services to support the planning of specialist provision and manage the risks of very high cost, unpredictable treatments.

NHS Finance

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account is taken of the higher costs of tertiary procedures in the tariff under payment by results; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The higher costs of tertiary care is recognised and addressed under payment by results in three ways. Additional payment over and above tariff for a defined list of procedures and diagnoses, the exclusion from tariff of certain high cost drugs, devices and procedures and the use of local flexibilities which allow primary care trusts to provide additional funding to providers in certain circumstances where new technology is being used.

NHS Recruitment (Doctors)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts are operating a freeze on the recruitment of doctors.

Liam Byrne: This information is not collected centrally, but any local actions there may have been should be seen in the context that the number of consultants has increased by 9,736, or 45 per cent., since 1997 and the number of general practitioners by 4,148, or 15 per cent., in the same period.

NHS Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated number of (a) physiotherapists and (b) speech and language therapists is in each primary care trust; and what the target establishment is for each trust.

Liam Byrne: Information on the numbers of qualified physiotherapists and speech and language therapists employed by each national health service organisation has been placed in the Library.
	The numbers of qualified physiotherapists and speech and language therapists employed in the NHS has increased between September 1997 and 2004 by 4,900, or 34 per cent. and 1,685, or 35 per cent. respectively.
	Information is not held centrally on the establishment of each NHS organisation.

NHS Staff

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what workforce planning strategies are in place for (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) physiotherapists, (d) other allied health professions and (e) midwives.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 25 October 2005
	It is the responsibility of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities (SHAs) to analyse their local situation and develop plans, in liaison with their local national health service trusts and primary care providers, to deliver high quality NHS services and take action to recruit the appropriate staff required to deliver these services.
	At a national level, the Department asks SHAs to submit local delivery plans covering all the main staff groups, which feed into national supply and demand modelling. The workforce review team closely liaises with the Department, the NHS and stakeholders to determine the future requirements of the NHS workforce, and advises the NHS on future training needs.
	In the longer term, the Department has recently commissioned work to analyse the level of need/demand for the medical workforce over the next 20 to 30 years and whether existing supply plans will meet these. This analysis will form the background to discussions on the development and planning of revised specialty training programmes as part of modernising medical careers implementation, and also inform the deliberations of the medical joint implementation group considering how many more medical school places are required.

NHS Suppliers

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that suppliers to NHS organisations are paid promptly; and what representations her Department have received in the last 12 months from suppliers to NHS organisations who have not been paid promptly.

Liam Byrne: National Health Service Trusts and primary care trusts are required to comply with the Confederation of British Industry's better payment practice code (BPPC) target of paying 95 per cent. of undisputed invoices within contract terms or 30 days where no terms have been agreed. By 2004–05, the NHS paid around 83 per cent. of its bills within 30 days, compared with about 77 per cent. in 1996–97.
	Strategic health authorities monitor the performance of individual NHS bodies and work with poor performing organisations to achieve and maintain a level of payment performance consistent with Government accounting regulations and the BPPC.
	The Department are not aware of any recent representations from suppliers to NHS organisations on the specific issue of prompt payment of bills.

Night-Time Services

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the provision of night-time services by general practitioners in Essex.

Liam Byrne: Primary care trusts (PCTs) have the responsibility of ensuring that they provide, or secure provision of a high quality, sustainable out-of-hours service for their local population.
	All out-of-hours services must be delivered to the national quality requirements, ensuring patients have access to consistently high quality and responsive care, regardless of where they live. Providers must deliver services that meet the quality requirements, as a contractual obligation. The requirements stipulate that:
	Patients will be guaranteed a general practitioner consultation—including a home visit if there is a clinical need.
	Patients are treated by the clinician best equipped to meet their needs in the most appropriate location.
	Services will be regularly audited to ensure that patients are receiving quality care.
	Providers of night-time services in Essex are shown in the table.
	
		
			 Area Provider(s) 
		
		
			 Colchester Colchester PCT 
			 South East Essex Essex Ambulance Trust, Care UK, NHS Direct 
			 South West Essex Essex Ambulance Trust, South Essex Emergency Doctor Services (SEEDS), NHS Direct 
			 Mid Essex Essex Ambulance Trust, NHS Direct 
			 Uttlesford The Emergency Doctor Service 
			 Tendring Prime Care 
			 Harlow and Epping Partnership of East London Co-operative (PELC)

Nurses

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses have undertaken return to practice courses in each year since 1999.

Liam Byrne: By the end of March 2004, over 18,500 former nurses, midwives and health visitors had returned to work in the national health service. No information is held on the numbers returning following return to practice courses.

Nurses

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts meet the Department's targets for the employment of specialist NHS nurses.

Liam Byrne: There is no such central target for the employment of specialist nurses.

Nurses

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many overseas nurses were registered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in each of the last three years, broken down by country of origin.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	The independent regulator for nurses, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, publishes annual statistics on the number of overseas nurses registered each year by country. These are available from its website at: www.nmc-org.uk.

Nurses

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Overseas Nursing Programme-supervised placements will be provided by approved education institutes in (a) 2005–06 and (b) each of the next two years.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	This information is not held by the Department. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is responsible for approving education institutions to run overseas nursing programmes. Education institutions are responsible for allocating placements to students in liaison with national health service trusts and other placement providers.

Nurses

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to increase the number of Overseas Nursing Programme-supervised placements provided by approved education institutes.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	The provision of overseas nurses programmes-supervised placements is a matter for local determination and is agreed in partnership by strategic health authorities, employers, approved education institutions and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Obesity

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what criteria were used in making the decision not to include obesity management as a clinical domain in the General Medical Services contract;
	(2)  whether she plans to include incentive points for obesity management in the review of the General Medical Services contract.

Liam Byrne: During the negotiations which led to the current quality and outcomes framework, many clinical conditions were considered. Those with the best evidence base for the effectiveness of intervention in primary care were included. As part of the on-going development of the framework, indicators will be reviewed as new evidence is produced.
	NHS Employers, on behalf of United Kingdom Health Ministers, are responsible for reviewing the general medical services contract with the British Medical Association's general practitioners' committee. Negotiators have confirmed that some changes will be made to the quality and outcomes framework from April 2006.

Out-of-hours Care

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what improvements to out-of-hours patient care from general practitioners have taken place in the last two years.

Liam Byrne: The changes to the general practitioner (GP) contract have enabled primary care trusts to address service fragmentation and introduce an integrated local out-of-hours service between general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, accident and emergency, NHS Direct and social care. Some £322 million is available this year to help fund out-of-hours services in addition to the unified budget which totals £53.9 billion in 2005–06.
	New standards for out-of-hours care came into force from January 2005 that assures high quality, responsive and consistent out-of-hours services across the country. This ensures that patients who need a doctor will be seen by a GP either in their own home or at a primary care centre.

Out-patient Appointments

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2005, Official Report, column 1523W, on out-patient appointments, how many missed out-patient appointments there have been in each year since 1997–98.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is available on the Department's website at www.performance.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/data_requests/outpatient_ attendances.htm.

Patient Appointments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the costs of missed (a) general practitioner and (b) hospital appointments in the last year for which figures are available; and what practical steps she recommends that general practitioners and NHS trusts can take to combat missed appointments;
	(2)  how many missed general practitioner appointments there were (a) across the NHS and (b) in each primary care trust in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 28 June 2005, Official Report, column 1523W.
	In addition, the Keep it or cancel it, but don't forget it" campaign, which is run by Developing Patient Partnerships, an organisation which is part funded by the Department, is intended to raise the awareness of the impact of missed general practice appointments. The campaign provides practices and primary care trusts with tools to help them address missed appointments including posters, stickers and examples of good practice from other practices.

Patient Care Plans

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whose responsibility it is to monitor the percentage of patients who have access to (a) a written care plan and (b) a named nurse;
	(2)  what independent assessment (a) has been made and (b) is planned of the percentage of patients who (i) have a written care plan and (ii) are allocated a named nurse.

Liam Byrne: No assessment has been carried out centrally.
	The named nurse concept, which aims to promote personalised and patient-focused care, is complemented by a number of initiatives. These include standards for better health, which includes a core standard on involving patients in their care and the public sector agreement targets which require all patients who need it, to have a personalised care plan. Strategic health authorities and primary care trusts are responsible for ensuring implementation of Government policy.

Patient Records

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list hospital trusts which send confidential patient records abroad for processing.

Liam Byrne: We are aware of reports that Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals National Health Service Trust currently employ a South African company to type up medical notes. It is the responsibility of local NHS clinicians and managers to ensure the confidentiality of patient information in these, as in all other circumstances. I understand that the trust has followed guidelines published by the Information Commissioner and the European Commission relating to the transfer of personal data outside the European Union.
	More generally, details of trusts sending patient records abroad for processing are not held centrally.

Physiotherapy

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 5 October 2005, Official Report, column 2839W, on physiotherapy, when the action plan was published; and if she will place a copy of the plan in the Library.

Liam Byrne: The physiotherapy workforce action plan was published on 23 May 2005. A copy is available in the Library.

Physiotherapy

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the impact of the Action Plan for physiotherapy graduates.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 25 October 2005
	It is too early to assess the impact the action plan has made on physiotherapy graduates. The Department is continuing to work closely with the national health service workforce review team and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy to ensure progress on implementing the action plan is maintained.

Private Health Centres

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how the locations of new private health centres providing services to the NHS will be determined; and what assessment will be made of their impact on local health economies;
	(2)  whether she plans to consult (a) local communities, (b) local authorities, (c) local patient forums and (d) local community groups and associations on the possible location of new private health centres that will provide services to the NHS.

Liam Byrne: External procurements for both primary and secondary care have been developed with strategic health authorities (SHAs) and primary care trusts (PCTs) on the basis of local requirements specifying when necessary desired locations as commissioners, SHAs and PCTs are expected to assess and plan for the impact on their local health economies.
	It is for SHAs and PCTs to decide whether, how and who to consult and take into account the consultation requirements of Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act.

Private Health Centres

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of whether a conflict of interest arises for employees of the NHS who may hold shares in new private health centres providing services to the NHS; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: No specific assessment has been made. There are long-established rules, whereby employees of the national health service are expected to declare any possible conflicts of interest.

Professional Health Courses

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to change the funding of professional health courses; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	There are no current plans to change the funding of professional health courses. The national health service will continue to contract with higher education institutes for non-medical education and training. The Secretary of State keeps the funding arrangements under constant review to ensure that the wide range of education and training of health professions is supported in the best way possible.

Public Consultation (Closures)

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many community and college hospitals are planned for closure, subject to local public consultations procedures; and how many beds this represents;
	(2)  how many NHS hospital beds are planned for closure subject to local public consultation procedures;
	(3)  how many NHS hospital beds have closed since May; how many were (a) intermediate care and (b) rehabilitation beds; and how many further closures are planned in each case.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not centrally collected.

Rehabilitation Services

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to integrate delivery of rehabilitation services across the NHS and social services departments.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 21 October 2005
	We expect local health and social care communities to work together with other voluntary and statutory agencies to take a community wide approach to developing a jointly agreed commissioning plan for services. Changes we are making in the national health service, such as payment by results and commissioning a patient-led NHS, will help to draw health and social care together. The national service framework for long-term conditions, issued in March this year, emphasises that rehabilitation is most effective when health and social care bodies work collaboratively with each other. The detail of which model of service best suits the needs of local people is a local matter to be determined by the NHS and social services working in partnership.

Scanning Services

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 4 October 2005 concerning mobile scanning units, how her Department defines modest revenue costs.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 14 October 2005
	As indicated in my reply of 5 October 2005, Official Report, column 2841W, this information is not centrally collected. However, the Department estimates that the modest cost would be in the region of £100–£200 on an estimated stay of seven to 14 days, depending on the length of the time the Alliance Medical Ltd. mobile unit is on site

Scanning Services

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what methodology was used to calculate value for money in the contract with Alliance Medical Ltd. for scans.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 18 October 2005
	Value for money from the services procured from Alliance Medical Ltd. for the mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and reporting services was ensured with a quality specification and comparison with the latest available national health service MRI direct access tariff information at the time the contract was negotiated.

Sexual Health

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to make schoolchildren aware of the services provided by sexual health clinics.

Maria Eagle: I have been asked to reply.
	One of the aims of the Government's Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, is to improve access to contraceptive and sexual health advice services for young people who are sexually active.
	The national media campaign stresses the importance of using condoms to protect against unplanned pregnancies and STIs and highlights the availability of confidential advice for young people on sexual health issues. The campaign also includes messages on the benefits of delaying sexual activity and resisting peer pressure to have sex before they are ready.
	Guidance on Sex and Relationships Education issued by DfES in 2000 recommends that schools should provide young people with details on how they can access services and the Government are also promoting the development of on-site health advice services in a range of non-traditional settings, such as in schools, FE colleges and Connexions Centres.

Sleep Apnoea

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on services for sufferers of sleep apnoea.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 25 October 2005
	Patients with sleep apnoea are able to access a range of national health service and social care services, tailored to meet their individual needs, to help them manage their condition. It is for health professionals in primary care organisations, in consultation with other stakeholders, to determine which services their populations require and ensure the appropriate level of provision.
	The national service framework (NSF) for long term conditions, while specifically aimed at people with neurological conditions, is relevant for people with all long-term conditions, including sleep apnoea. The NSF addresses a range of key issues including the need for equitable access to a range of services; good quality information and support for patients and carers; the ability to see a specialist and get the right investigations and diagnosis as quickly as possible.

Smoking

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the impact on the health of people in Liverpool of (a) a partial ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants as proposed in the White Paper and (b) a total ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 14 October 2005
	No assessment has been made specifically for Liverpool. The Government published a partial regulatory impact assessment as part of the Smokefree Elements of the Health Improvement and Protection Bill", the consultation paper launched this summer. This contained estimates of the health impact of different options. A copy is available in the Library.

Supporting People" Initiative

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions her Department has had with the Association of Directors of Social Services on the Supporting People" initiative.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 25 October 2005
	The Department has not had formal discussions with the Association of Directors of Social Services of the Supporting People" initiative recently. We are, however, in regular discussions with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the supporting people programme.

Surgical Procedures (Costs)

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of surgical procedures on the NHS has been in each year since 1995.

Liam Byrne: No data are available centrally that separately identifies the average cost of providing surgical procedures within the national health service. However, NHS reference cost data is collected annually at the level of health care resources groups (HRGs) and show a composite cost for a procedure or treatment rather than individual procedures. Definitions and breakdowns of the HRGs are published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre and available on its website at http://www.icservices.nhs.uk/casemix/pages/tools.asp.
	Details of NHS reference costs from 1997–98 to 2003–04 are published on the Department's website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/Organisation Policy/FinanceAndPlanning/NHSReferenceCosts/fs/en.

Therapy

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many established full-time equivalent posts there are in each strategic health authority in England for (a) speech therapists and (b) occupational therapists; and how many of those posts are vacant.

Liam Byrne: The table shows the number of full-time equivalent occupational therapists and speech and language therapists employed in the national health service within each strategic health authority (SHA) and Government office region, together with the rate of vacancies lasting three months or more.
	
		Health and Social Care Information Centre vacancies survey March 2005—NHS three month vacancies by Government office region and SHA area, for occupational therapy staff and speech and language therapy staff—three month vacancy rates, numbers and staff in post
		
			   Occupational therapy Speech and language therapy 
			   Three month vacancy rate percentage Three month vacancy number Staff in post) full-time equivalent Three month vacancy rate percentage Three month vacancy number (Staff in post) full-time equivalent 
			   March 2005 September 2004 March 2005 September 2004 
		
		
			 England  3.9 567 13.879 2.5 127 4.973 
			 
			 North East Government Office Region Total A 0.9 7 718 1.6 5 301 
			 County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority area Total Q10 1..3 4 276 1.6 2 124 
			 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority area Total Q09 0.7 3 443 1.7 3 177 
			 
			 North West Government Office Region Total B 3.0 61 1,979 1.7 13 750 
			 Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority area Total Q15 3.3 24 703 0.6 2 235 
			 Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority area Total Q13 2.0 12 582 3.0 7 223 
			 Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority area Total Q14 3.5 25 694 1.4 4 293 
			 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber Government Office Region Total D 3.6 52 1,415 2.0 9 458 
			 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire Strategic Health Authority area Total Q11 2.3 8 389 0.0 0 130 
			 South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority area Total Q23 4.5 21 436 2.1 3 137 
			 West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority area Total Q12 3.8 23 590 3.0 6 191 
			 
			 East Midlands Government Office Region Total E 1.1 14 1,304 0.9 3 347 
			 Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Strategic Health Authority area Total Q25 0.5 2 423 1.6 2 124 
			 Trent Strategic Health Authority area Total Q24 1.4 12 881 0.4 1 223 
			   
			 West Midlands Government Office Region Total F 2.1 28 1,331 1.3 7 528 
			 Birmingham and The Black Country Strategic Health Authority area Total Q27 2.4 14 573 1.0 2 240 
			 Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority area Total Q26 1.3 5 392 1.5 2 130 
			 West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority area Total Q28 2.4 9 366 1.5 2 158 
			 
			 East of England Government Office Region total G 4.6 66 1,375 3.7 14 364 
			 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Health Authority area total Q02 10.3 34 299 4.2 4 79 
			 Essex Strategic Health Authority area total Q03 2.6 10 373 2.4 3 104 
			 Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority area total Q01 3.0 22 703 4.3 8 182 
			 
			 London Government Office Region Total H 10.0 231 2,078 4.8 49 982 
			 North Central London Strategic Health Authority area Total Q05 4.7 22 442 3.2 8 230 
			 North East London Strategic Health Authority area Total Q06 10.0 43 392 5.1 9 157 
			 North West London Strategic Health Authority area Total Q04 11.8 65 485 6.0 15 231 
			 South East London Strategic Health Authority area Total Q07 15.4 80 440 2.2 5 222 
			 South West London Strategic Health Authority area Total Q08 6.0 21 319 8.4 13 143 
			 
			 South East Government Office Region Total J 4.1 87 2,033 3.0 24 760 
			 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority area Total Q17 1.9 7 390 0.0 0 152 
			 Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority area Total Q18 2.6 11 388 3.6 6 159 
			 Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority area Total Q19 4.9 39 759 2.6 7 263 
			 Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority area Total Q16 5.6 30 496 5.4 11 186 
			  
			 South West Government Office Region Total K 1.3 21 1,645 0.6 3 482 
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority area Total Q20 1.8 14 721 0.4 1 226 
			 Dorset and Somerset Strategic Health Authority area Total Q22 1.2 5 396 2.1 2 93 
			 South West Peninsula Strategic Health Authority area Total Q21 0.6 3 528 0.1 0 164 
		
	
	Three month vacancy notes:
	1. Three month vacancy information is as at 31 March 2005
	2. Three month vacancies are vacancies which Trusts are actively trying to fill, which had lasted for three months or more (whole time equivalents)
	3. Three month Vacancy Rates are three month vacancies expressed as a percentage of three month vacancies plus staff in post
	4. Three month Vacancy Rates are calculated using staff in post from the Non-Medical Workforce Census September 2004
	5. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place
	6 * figures where sum of staff in post (as at 30 September 2004) and vacancies (as at 31 March 2005) is less than 10
	Staff in post notes:
	1. Staff in post data is from the Non-Medical Workforce Census September 2004
	General notes:
	1. Vacancy and staff in post numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number
	2. Calculating the vacancy rates using the above data may not equal the actual vacancy rates
	3. Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of component parts
	4. Strategic Health Authority figures are based on Trusts, and do not necessarily reflect the geographical provision of healthcare
	5. The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust cannot be assigned to a particular Strategic Health Authority
	6. The 2005 Vacancy survey did not receive a valid return from the Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust. Figures for this Trust have been excluded from all applicable vacancy totals and calculations. Staff in post figures for this Trust are included in the England, Yorkshire and the Humber GOR and North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire SHA totals so as to be consistent with other Health and Social Care Information Centre publications.
	Sources:
	Health and Social Care Information Centre Vacancies Survey March 2005
	Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census September 2004

Waiting Times

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are on the waiting list for gastroscopic examinations at North Manchester General Hospital; and how many have been waiting more than (a) three and (b) six months.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 24 October 2005
	The information requested is not held centrally.